INED 4430: Cultural Issues for Teachers of English Learners

3 Credit Hours

This course is an introduction to linguistic systems and their acquisition as they occur in the language development of English (ELs) and other limited English proficient learners. There is a strong focus on cognitive and social processes of language acquisition, including how functional, cultural, and critical literacies are constructed and promoted. Students will explore relationships among the four language domains, their connections to language proficiency levels and development of academic vocabulary.

Course Learning Outcomes

Candidates will develop an understanding of the intersection between culture, language, and learning by examining the links between language and culture and learning how cultural identity affects learning.
Candidates will learn how to conduct analyses of larger sociopolitical context and engage with critical theory to examine how racism, discrimination, cultural, and linguistic bias affects teaching and learning.
Candidates will develop an understanding of the importance of family and community engagement in the education of ELLs to create empowering learning environments for ELLS and their families. They will examine case studies of effective engagements between home and school, and research and locate resources to assist ELLs and their families.
Candidates will develop an understanding of the laws, judicial decisions, policies, and guidelines that have shaped the field of ESL.
Candidates will be introduced to theories of learning appropriate for ELLs. In particular they will develop an understanding of cultural values and beliefs and their effect on learning, and the similarities between language difference and a learning disability.
Candidates will learn the importance of developing institutional collaboration by establishing relationships with school staff and resource personnel; participate in professional development through participation in local and national ESOL organizations; and engage in issues affecting ELLs by taking leadership and advocacy roles at the local, state, or national level.