ERIC Number: EJ1292217
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0671
EISSN: N/A
Examining the Impacts of Extended Vocabulary Instruction in Mixed-English-Proficiency Science Classrooms
Journal of Educational Research, v114 n1 p74-88 2021
Vocabulary is a building block of understanding, especially in science classrooms where language abilities are mixed. To reduce academic inequalities, approaches to vocabulary instruction need to demonstrate benefits for students across learning contexts. We summarize the results from the first unit, "Earth Systems and Catastrophic Events," in a longitudinal study investigating the effectiveness of the "Science Vocabulary Support" (SVS) program originally designed for sheltered classrooms. Four grade 7 classrooms, including 106 students (25% native English speakers; 29% former English learners [ELs]; 46% current ELs), participated in this quasi-experimental, matched-group study. Results indicated that students in SVS classrooms outperformed those experiencing regular instruction on science and targeted academic vocabulary, as well as on reading comprehension measures. We detected no significant program impact differences between current EL and proficient English-speaking students across measures. Results suggest that programs such as SVS may help teachers meet the needs of all students in mixed-English-proficiency classrooms.
Descriptors: Vocabulary Development, Academic Language, Science Instruction, Earth Science, Content and Language Integrated Learning, Content Area Reading, Reading Comprehension, Language Proficiency, English Language Learners, Native Speakers, Classroom Environment, Middle School Students, Grade 7, Early Adolescents, Program Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Elementary Education; Grade 7
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A