ERIC Number: EJ975268
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Sep
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1475-1585
EISSN: N/A
Preparing History Teachers to Work with English Learners through a Focus on the Academic Language of Historical Analysis
Schall-Leckrone, Laura; McQuillan, Patrick J.
Journal of English for Academic Purposes, v11 n3 p246-266 Sep 2012
This article reports empirical evidence about the influence of embedding language-based strategies into a history methods course to prepare novice history teachers to teach English learners (ELs). Mixed methods were used in an action research cycle to analyze participants' attitudes and preparedness to teach ELs history before and after being exposed to strategies for teaching the academic language of historical analysis. Data sources included surveys, interviews, observations, and student work. Findings suggest participants recognized a specialized language of history and their role as teachers of the language of history. Modifications to the infusion that increased language-based and literacy-focused activities seemed to contribute to an increased sense of preparedness for the second cohort. Participants found using language analysis to "do history" helpful, but few could articulate how to utilize specific strategies. One implication is the language of history needs to be made visible to history teachers before they can teach language demands of history. A second implication is infusing language-based strategies in content methods classes is one component of a comprehensive approach to preparing teachers to teach ELs. Further research is recommended to follow participants into early teaching experiences, provide site-based coaching, observe transfer of teaching skills, and assess pupil learning. (Contains 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Methods Courses, Teacher Education Curriculum, Teaching Skills, Action Research, Secondary School Curriculum, Preservice Teacher Education, History Instruction, Historical Interpretation, English for Academic Purposes, Second Language Learning, Academic Discourse, Teaching Methods, Mixed Methods Research, Interviews, Surveys, Observation
Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2131
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A