Changing values: what use are theories of language learning and teaching?

This paper is a response to the common perception by student teachers that the research and theory courses on their program are overtheoretical and unrelated to classroom practice. While there is some support for a categorical distinction between theory and practice in language education, it is suggested that the beliefs, assumptions and knowledge of teachers are in fact inextricably bound up with what goes on in the classroom. We investigate two groups of student teachers studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level to become teachers of English to speakers of other languages. We examine the extent to which a research and theory course which both groups took in second language acquisition influenced key beliefs which students held relating to language learning during their period of study.     

Pedagogical and political encounters in linguistically and culturally diverse primary classrooms: examples from Quebec,Canada, and Gauteng,South Africa

Comparative research in multilingual urban primary schools indicates that the pedagogical and political goals of schooling may operate at cross-purposes. Classroom observations and teacher interview-discussions were conducted in classes for immigrant children in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where the language of instruction is French, and in classes in Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa, where children from many different language backgrounds are taught in English. Two main themes emerged: (1) pedagogically, effective teacher–learner communication can break down when teachers are unaware of the roles that language and culture play in second language classrooms; (2) politically, efforts to assimilate learners into new socio-cultural/political contexts sometimes take precedence over sound pedagogical practice, such as drawing on the linguistic and cultural repertoire that learners bring to the classroom. This ongoing qualitative research underlines the importance of preparing pre-service and in-service teachers for the linguistic and cultural diversity they are bound to encounter in their classrooms, and of deepening their understanding of the influence of such diversity on the teaching–learning process.     

Who teaches English learners? A study of the quality,experience, and credentials of teachers of English learners in a new immigrant destination

Using data from North Carolina, a new immigrant destination, we estimate differences in the quality, experience, and credentials of teachers of English learners (ELs) and teachers of native English speakers. We find that ELs are systematically assigned teachers who are more likely to have a related credential, experience teaching ELs, and experience teaching overall but who are less likely to have earned accomplished or distinguished principal ratings and who have lower value-added scores. Results suggest that school leaders assign ELs to teachers whose experience or training suggest they are prepared to support this population, but who are less effective.     

试谈预科双语实验班学生的汉语教学

新疆少数民族“双语”授课实验班本科预科是一个新生事物,明显不同于“民考民”和“民考汉”学生。经过两年的摸索,我们发现了一些汉语教学中出现的问题,我们尝试找出一些对策,来弥补这方面的缺欠。     

School climate and teacher beliefs in a school effectively serving poor South Carolina (USA) African-American students: A case study

This study examined the roles of school climate, teacher expectations, and instructional practices in one elementary school in South Carolina (USA) that produced effective achievement outcomes with poor and minority students. Survey data, teacher interviews, and classroom videotaping was used to identify school characteristics and instructional behaviors of six teachers nominated by colleagues as exemplary. The school was characterized by an emphasis on high student expectations, school staff cohesiveness, engaging instruction, high parent involvement, and multicultural instruction integrated with curriculum. The practices identified are consistent with literature on effective American schools; and the practices are key aspects of the sound instruction of poor and minority children. Teachers stated that teacher education programs did not prepare them to teach these students and that they had to learn this on the job.     

Multilingual primary classrooms: an investigation of first year teachers’ learning and responsive teaching

This article draws on the analysis of 26 interviews with newly qualified primary teachers (NQTs) in one multilingual city in England, towards the end of their induction year. Interview analysis focused on three themes: developments in pedagogic practice, collaboration with colleagues, resolutions for change or development. Detailed thematic analysis confirmed that NQTs were engaged in reflection about how to respond to diversity, in some cases building on awareness raised in teacher education. Learning on the job was a frequent theme but five respondents still expressed lack of confidence about their approaches. Twenty-one NQTs believed that they had begun to develop responsive forms of teaching, aided by support from and collaboration with other colleagues, including teaching assistants, many bilingual. Implications of the study are that both teacher education and educational research programmes need to give further time to the study and development of linguistically responsive forms of teaching.     

An integrated professional development model for effective teaching

This article examines the design of a professional development model that aims to improve student achievement. This model has been designed by combining and supplementing elements from school-improvement literature and existing professional development models. Existing models from two largely independent approaches to professional development of teachers were examined for the presence of nine principles for effective school improvement. On the basis of this examination six aspects from the existing models were incorporated in the new model (presentation of theory, demonstration of skills, practice in a secure environment, pre-conference, observation and post-conference). Three further aspects were added to ensure compliance with all nine principles for effective school improvement (creation of the appropriate conditions, evaluation and monitoring conference and a focus on goals at school, teacher and student level).     

档案袋评价在少数民族双语师资培训中的应用

档案袋评价是关注学生学习过程的质性评价方式。在少数民族双语师资培训中引入档案袋评价,可以弥补传统评价方式的不足。科学合理设计档案袋是档案袋评价的基础。实施档案袋评价应明确档案袋评价的目的和意义,重视档案袋评价材料的收集和整理,掌握档案袋评价的要领。     

Book Review of Cross-linguistic Influences

This paper presents an overview of some cross-linguistic influences in multilingual language acquisition on both syntax and lexical level from Gabrys Baker's new book.     

双语聋教育中聋听教师合作关系的研究

双语聋教育作为一种新的聋教育理念与方法,其成功实施需要聋人教师与听人教师的密切合作。采取质的研究方法,通过对N校双语聋教育实验项目的个案研究,指出我国目前双语聋教育在聋听教师合作方面所存在的一系列问题,并在此基础上针对"如何建立起聋听教师间积极的合作关系"提出了相关的管理建议。     

A systematic review of bilingual education teachers’ competences

Ongoing globalisation processes call forth a need to foster students' intercultural competences and language skills. Simultaneously, teachers face an increasing diversity of students' first languages and cultures within classrooms, demanding responsive and integrative practices from them which address all students. Bilingual education is one possible format in which these challenges can be met; however, it requires a high level of teacher professionalism. This systematic literature review harvests international research on bilingual education teachers published between 1995 and 2020. It compares frameworks and research on bilingual education teachers’ required competences for secondary education and generates a professional competence model for bilingual education teachers. This systematic review of 79 individual reports identifies a total of 16 converging competences, many focusing on language proficiency and pedagogical/psychological knowledge. Furthermore, it yields important implications for bilingual teacher training such as the fostering of (academic) language proficiency, cooperation skills and knowledge of bilingual education research.     

我国教师发展学校近十年的探索之路

基于美国教师专业发展学校(PDS),结合我国国情而创建的教师发展学校(TDS),实践中走过近十年的探索之路。回溯历史,陶行知晓庄学校教学做合一的教育模式蕴涵着教师发展学校的理念;总结经验,教师发展学校之建设经验与目标、架构体系与策略发人深省;展望未来,教师发展学校理应成为教师教育一体化发展的必然选择。