ERIC Number: EJ949934
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1367-0050
EISSN: N/A
Teacher Beliefs regarding Bilingualism in an English Medium Reading Program
Vaish, Viniti
International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, v15 n1 p53-69 2012
Reading classes in schools where English is the medium of instruction are increasingly servicing a linguistically diverse population; however, teacher-training for English teachers lacks a focus on bilingualism. Using the context of Singapore, this paper analyses beliefs on bilingualism of English teachers in an early intervention reading program. It is based on the results of a survey sent to 270 teachers, in-depth interviews with 5 of the surveyed teachers, and observations of their classes. In keeping with the focus of their training program most teachers believe in an immersion approach though, ironically, they also believe that L1 can aid in learning English. The more experience the teacher has the more likely she is to believe that the L1 can aid in the teaching of English. There is an overlap of beliefs regarding immersion and bilingualism. On the basis of these findings I suggest implications for teacher education programs. (Contains 1 figure and 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Early Intervention, Teacher Education Programs, Reading Programs, Foreign Countries, Teacher Attitudes, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Language of Instruction, Interviews, Bilingualism, Teacher Surveys, Language Teachers, Second Language Instruction, Immersion Programs, Native Language, Teaching Methods
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Singapore
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A