Module 3: Language Acquisition
Language acquisition is an integral aspect of bilingual education. It is essential that we gain understanding of the process involved in attaining a first and second language. ELLs bring in to the classroom and identify of their own filled with home language and culture. It is imperative that their linguistic and cultural needs are met in the classroom to help them become successful. Schools should accommodate ELLs by following the NCLB Act of highering highly certified bilingual teachers with the bilingual strategies to deliver meaningful and relevant lessons to the needs of all ELLs. This will promote acceptance of who they are and ELLs will feel valued and nurture a desire to prevail academically.
Module Goal:
This module will provide you with a better understanding of the stages of language development that students experience when acquiring a new language. In addition, it will demonstrate what research has stated on the way humans attain language and how they can learn their first language and learn to acquire a second language simultaneously without hindering cognition or academic success.
Module Objective:
The stages of language acquisition provided will enhance your understanding of the development of the first and second language that English language learners experiece. Being cognizant of the different stages will provide you with an awareness to ensure all students' needs are met to ensure academic and language success. Novice and experienced teachers will be able to accommodate the linguistic needs of ELLs through content areas that will promote the effective development of L1 to acquire L2 proficiently. Administrators must help monitor student success and ensure teachers are aligning their lessons to school's goals.
Video - Stephen Krashen on Language Acquisition
The following video presents Stephen Krashen discussing language acquisition. He goes on to present different types of language lessons to explain the different ways that language is introduced to a new language.
References
Baker, C. (2004). Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism (4th ed.) Multilingual Matters,
Clevedon.
Cloud, N., Genesee, F.,Hamayan, E. (2000). Dual Language Instruction: A Handbook
or Enriched Education. Building Equitable Two-Way Bilingual Programs (pp. 11-12). Boston,
MA: Heinle.
Garcia, O. (2009). Bilingual Education in the 21st Century: A Global Perspective. Wiley-Blackwell,
Oxford.
Freeman, D., Freeman, Y. (2001). Between worlds: Access to second language acquisition (2nd ed.)
Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann