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Lindsay Andreas

BBC NEWS | Africa | Trail-blazing for Morocco's Berber speakers - 1 views

news.bbc.co.uk/...8233812.stm

language instruction Morocco Berbers comparative education

shared by Lindsay Andreas on 07 Sep 09 - Cached
  • We studied the older texts that were passed down orally, but we are also writing new literature to reflect the current situation for Berbers in Morocco. It's really ground-breaking."
  • Although Berbers were Morocco's first inhabitants and account for some 60% of Morocco's population, they faced widespread discrimination and it is only now that the language is required to be taught in public school.
  • Their academic qualifications may not help them much on the jobs market, but the availability of a further degree in a subject that was once virtually outlawed in their North African country underscores Berber success in gaining official acceptance of the language.
  • ...4 more annotations...
  • Although many Amazigh are illiterate, the government has put in place measures to assist schools to teach the written form of the language.
  • This written form is expected to have a unifying effect.
  • "My parents couldn't read a newspaper or understand the television because they were in Arabic," he says. "Now we have our own television channel and magazines in Berber. We feel much closer now to people in the Rif and Atlas Mountains."
  • "Most Moroccans grow up speaking Berber - why should they be at a disadvantage in having to use classical Arabic which is a foreign language whenever they brush up against bureaucracy?"
  • Lindsay Andreas on 07 Sep 09
     
    First, I love the Berbers. Second, this article serves as a great example of the issues that arise with language instruction. I think it is important to study comparative education, in order to help us see our own education system more clearly.
James Leslie

Considerations in Teaching Culturally Diverse Children :: Educational Resources :: ADD,... - 2 views

www.apples4theteacher.com/...modules.php

social studies diverse learners teaching

shared by James Leslie on 09 Oct 09 - Cached
  • There has been growing concern about how best to meet the educational challenge of learner diversity. Some researchers (National, 1991) have raised questions about the efficacy of teacher education programs which attempt to deal with learner diversity and which explore changes in prospective teachers' roles in modifying instruction. However, other researchers (i.e., Banks & Banks, 1989; Bennett, 1990; Sleeter & Grant, 1988) have recommended that the following be included within the teacher education curriculum: At least one course in multicultural education that takes into consideration the needs of all students Information about the history and culture of students from a wide number of ethnic, racial, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds Content about the contributions made by various groups Information about first- and second-language acquisition and effective teaching practices for working with students from limited English proficient (LEP) backgrounds Field experiences and student teaching opportunities with students from varying backgrounds
  • This background is important for the teacher to have in order to understand the rights and responsibilities of students as well as of teachers and parents. While having this information may not eliminate the stereotypes or misconceptions that teachers have about groups, it can serve to inform more directly future instructional decisions which they will make.
  • Many African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans have had educational experiences where they suffered as a result of negative social, economic, and educational policies (Banks & Banks, 1989). Practices such as referral of these students in disproportionate numbers to special education classes continue even today. With additional information, teachers may be able to ask further questions or request technical assistance in providing appropriate instruction before a referral is considered.
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  • Communication can be increased by using the home language for conferences and providing written notices in both languages for those parents who have difficulty with English. Community liaisons, aides, translators, or volunteers who are bilingual can assist in this area. The teacher can solicit more participation and cooperation from parents if the message is communicated appropriately.
  • The incorporation of information about first- and second-language acquisition and effective teaching practices for working with students from LEP backgrounds is critical for teacher planning. Information about the language strengths and needs of students will be helpful for working with special personnel such as bilingual teachers and English as a second language teachers.
  • here is a need for field experiences and student teaching opportunities to work with diverse students. Prospective teachers can benefit interacting with these students before they enter the field and while they are still able to dialogue with teacher educators and teachers in the field. It can be a time to design instructional activities which can be applied within a variety of contexts and with different learners. With changes in school populations projected within this decade, it is important for prospective teachers to also have contact with the populations which they will ultimately serve.
  • James Leslie on 09 Oct 09
     
    This is an article on the challenges that can occur in teachings classrooms of diverse children.
Lindsay Andreas

More Teachers Turning to Sign Language to Manage Classrooms - washingtonpost.com - 0 views

www.washingtonpost.com/...AR2009101501373.html

sign language classroom management

shared by Lindsay Andreas on 16 Oct 09 - Cached
  • how to manage children's urgent requests, in the middle of the most carefully planned lessons, for permission to sharpen pencils, get drinks of water or visit the bathroom.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 16 Oct 09
       
      I have to be honest, my students do get kind of annoying with this stuff but you can't not let them go to the bathroom, I like that this maintains control but still gives kids independence.
  • "Sign language is the ultimate multitasker's tool," she said. "It lets you tend half the class's bodily needs at the same time you're helping a small group learn."
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 16 Oct 09
       
      In these times of standards and high-stakes testing, they want us to accomplish so much, this just might be a simple way of gaining a little edge in more fluid instruction time and I think it is worth trying out.
  • Signing has long been a tool for teachers to help special education students develop language skills, and for years it has been offered in area high schools as a second language. Now its use as a management tool appears to be on the rise.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 16 Oct 09
       
      A teacher could also use it as an opportunity to talk a little bit about deaf culture, which I think is really important. One of my good friends is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adult) and it is a very passionate and strong community.
Erin Power

New to English - Interactive Graphic - NYTimes.com - 0 views

www.nytimes.com/...ELL-students.html

ESL Education

shared by Erin Power on 04 Sep 09 - Cached
    • Erin Power
      Erin Power on 04 Sep 09
       
      This map takes statistics from the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and Language Instruction Education Programs and maps it out so it is more meaningful.
    • Erin Power
      Erin Power on 04 Sep 09
       
      A teacher could use this site to understand the reality that they will most definitely teach to students who do not speak English, and deciding a plan for how they will approach this situation. Also, they could use it in a social studies classroom as a visual demonstration of a widespread social change.
    • Erin Power
      Erin Power on 04 Sep 09
       
      I think this site is valuable because its a great example of what can be done with the internet, its an interactive map that shows social change on both a widespread and small level.
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    • Erin Power
      Erin Power on 04 Sep 09
       
      The rise in English learners is a remarkably fast growing trend in the past few years - one that teachers need to be ready to deal with.
    • Erin Power
      Erin Power on 04 Sep 09
       
      Its important to Note the information in DC - there is a very high population of English Language Learners.
  • Erin Power on 04 Sep 09
     
    This map shows the growing population of English Language Learners (students who are not fluent English speakers) in the American school system.
  • Alan Edwards on 15 Sep 09
     
    This interactive graph is so interesting! I like these kinds of web tools.
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