ERIC Number: EJ935413
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0826-435X
EISSN: N/A
Teacher Preparedness for a Changing Demographic of Language Learners
Webster, Nina Lee; Valeo, Angela
TESL Canada Journal, v28 n2 p105-128 Spr 2011
English-language learners (ELLs) are becoming common in classrooms with Ontario's escalating immigration trends. Elementary school teachers are increasingly becoming responsible for meeting the needs of linguistically diverse children. This qualitative study explores current teacher preparation practices through preservice teachers' (PT) perspectives and explores how prepared primary-junior PTs are to teach ELLs in southwestern Ontario. Through a structured interview, six certified graduates shared descriptive experiences, knowledge, and beliefs. Findings indicate that although moving toward greater ELL awareness and inclusive mindsets, there is evidence that well-intentioned teachers lack the competence necessary for effective classroom practice. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Second Language Learning, Preservice Teachers, Interviews, Foreign Countries, Elementary School Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, English (Second Language), Immigration, Student Needs, Immigrants, Qualitative Research, Student Attitudes, Teaching Methods
TESL Canada Federation. 408-4370 Dominion Street, Burnaby, BC V5G 4L7, Canada. Tel: 604-298-0312; Fax: 604-298-0372; e-mail: admin@tesl.ca; Web site: http://www.tesl.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A