Integrating Language and Content Instruction: A Linguistic and Cultural Guide for Content-Area Teachers of Asian International Secondary School Students in the US

Author

Joy R. Suzuki, University of San FranciscoFollow

Date of Graduation

Spring 5-18-2017

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

College/School

School of Education

Department/Program

International and Multicultural Education (IME)

First Advisor

Luz Navarrette Garcia

Abstract

As more and more international Asian ESL high school students seek an education at private American high schools, where students spend most of their time in content-area classrooms, it is imperative that content-area teachers understand the important role they play in their students’ linguistic development and cultural adjustment. The purpose of this project is to provide teachers of content-area classes with an easily accessible professional development opportunity, including tools they need to help their international ESL students achieve linguistic and academic success and guide these students through a rewarding cross-cultural experience. As supported by second language acquisition theory, with the right training and preparation for effective teaching practices, the content-area classroom offers the ideal opportunity for academic language learning in a context that is authentic, meaningful, and motivating for international ESL students. The project, presented in the form of a website, gives content-area teachers information to help them gain an understanding of the basic principles of second language acquisition and implications for the content-area classroom, an awareness of the complexities of academic language that explain the linguistic challenges English language learners face in the classroom, a recognition of the formidable opportunity for language learning presented by content learning, an appreciation for the benefits of working collaboratively with ESL instructors, and a sensitivity to the cultural intricacies that help to explain some of the behaviors and attitudes of ESL students in the American classroom. In short, they can learn ways to become a good teacher for every student in their classroom.

Recommended Citation

Suzuki, Joy R., "Integrating Language and Content Instruction: A Linguistic and Cultural Guide for Content-Area Teachers of Asian International Secondary School Students in the US" (2017). Master's Projects and Capstones. 514.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/514