A Functional Approach to Language Development for Dual Language Learners

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Author
Author
de Oliveira, Luciana. C.; Westerlund, Ruslana
Journal
Journal of English Learner Education
Details
Resource Type
Journal
Acquisition Number
NA-23
Published Date
07-07-2021 3:53 PM
Published Year
2021
Number of Pages
24
Language(s)
Subscription Only
No
Abstract
A functional approach to language development draws on functional linguistic perspectives to offer ways of engaging students in exploring meaning in texts through classroom discussions about language. This approach provides a metalanguage for talking about the meanings in the choices authors make. It also enables teachers to identify language patterns that can help dual language learners see how language works. This approach can be implemented in any language classroom and is especially important for multilingual learners (MLs) in dual language classrooms as they develop their linguistic repertories in more than one language. The authors of this article contextualize the use of the functional approach in dual language classrooms within the new WIDA Standards (WIDA, 2020). They present a case study to showcase how the functional approach can be used in a dual language classroom with annotated science texts in English and Spanish.
Topics
Teaching Methods and Strategies
Reading
Dual Language Programs
Bilingual Students