CI 280Introduction to Teaching English Language Learners

3 credits · Curriculum and Instruction · Penn State

Introduction to language, culture, instruction, assessment, and professionalism as they relate to teaching English Language Learners in U.S. schools. C I 280 Introduction to Teaching English Language Learners (3) (GH) C I 280 focuses on the development of foundational knowledge to successfully assist English language learners in U.S. school contexts. The basic premise of the course is that teachers play an important role in creating a positive classroom learning environment and bringing school success for English language learners. This course is designed to develop essential dispositions, skills, and knowledge for teacher education students to fulfill their important role. Course objectives are to understand culture, language, learning contexts, and pedagogy. Culture focuses on a) sociocultural characteristics of English language learners, b) how English language learners' cultural communication and learning styles affect the learning process, c) how English language learners' cultural values affect their academic achievement and language development, d) negative effect of cultural bias in instruction, materials and assessments, and e) the importance of developing cross-cultural competence in interactions with colleagues, administrators, school and community specialists, students and their families.