This action research study examined the experiences of a heritage speaker of Spanish who was training to become a Spanish teacher within a Spanish Education program that was in the process of transforming the traditional, front-loaded and theoretical methods course into a practice-based approach to teacher education. The goal of this…

This study aims to elaborate a framework for both the foundation and application of professional standards for mother-tongue teachers. The main issue with which this study is concerned constitutes the lack of a set of clear standards for the initial training of mother-tongue teachers. In terms of theory, that which has currently been analyzed in…

While heritage language learners are becoming visible in the research literature as a distinct group of language learners with specific needs, existing curriculum structures in secondary schools often focus on programs either for foreign language learners or for first language learners. The study reported here examines the experiences of heritage…

This paper reports on a new pedagogy for Chinese language teaching and learning at elementary schools through exploratory classroom instruction using Information and Communication Technologies. The study used quantitative method to collect data from two elementary schools of China. The results showed that: (1) the three-in-one pedagogy of…

Offers an alternative to the two approaches to teaching Spanish to adolescent and college-level bilingual native speakers interested in developing their Spanish abilities. This theory draws heavily from Freire's problem-posing procedure for critical dialogue and Vygotsky's theory of social learning. (28 references) (Author/VWL)

The Freirean approach to adult literacy education bases the content of language lessons on learners' cultures and personal experiences. This approach has been used in the developing world in successful native and second language literacy projects sponsored by governments and voluntary organizations in both urban and rural settings. The two most…

Claims that incorporating children's native language into school curriculum can make these languages integral to the learning process. Suggests that a responsive, language-rich curriculum encourages creative and effective communication and learning. Emphasizes that language learning and sharing are the essence of the additive model as opposed to…

This paper proposes a theoretical framework for the development of curricula for Japanese heritage language schools. Although these schools provide most of the Japanese heritage language (JHL) instruction available to elementary and secondary school pupils, they have received little attention or support from the academic community. Specifically,…

The curriculum for Manitoba's heritage language instruction program in Filipino outlines the curriculum's rationale and design and suggests techniques and materials for carrying out instruction. Introductory sections discuss general program goals, general and specific objectives for each language skill area (listening, speaking, reading, writing,…

This curriculum for Manitoba's heritage language instruction program in Portuguese outlines the curriculum's rationale and design and suggests techniques and materials for carrying out instruction. Introductory sections discuss suggested time allotments, oral and written evaluation methods for grades 1-6 and 7-12, general program goals, and…

This paper analyzes the process of intergenerational language shift from a sociolinguistic perspective and proposes a pedagogical model for expanding the stylistic range of heritage learners, targeting the development of writing proficiency. The model proposes that the curriculum should be organized so that students initially draw on their…

The use of microcomputers and courseware for native language instruction is discussed. Five dimensions of instruction that are helpful in evaluating microcomputer use are examined: (1) student motivation; (2) educational objectives; (3) the appropriateness of the computer and related software as instructional tools; (4) the learning model…

Three studies concerning the teaching of Irish in elementary schools in Ireland are presented and the implications of their findings for Irish instruction are examined. The first study described the range of conditions under which spoken Irish is taught and learned by studying a number of diverse classes, describe the teaching and learning of…

The partial immersion program at Key Elementary School (Arlington, Virginia), where half the instruction is in English and half in Spanish, has completed its sixth year. The program review, including classroom observation, interviews with or surveys of students, teachers, parents, and staff, and student assessment, revealed a highly successful…

A handbook for teachers and administrators dealing with limited-English-speaking native Pilipino-speaking students in the schools gives information on the unique historical, sociocultural, and linguistic characteristics of this group and provides information about educational resources. It begins with an overview of Filipino immigration history,…