Date of Award
Spring 5-18-2015
Document Type
Education 530 Project
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Education
First Advisor
Clayton, Courtney
Major or Concentration
Elementary Education
Abstract
Annually, the number of English language learners (ELLs) in American classrooms increases. Recent studies have highlighted the benefits of using ELLs' native language (L1) in the classroom (Slavin & Cheung, 2004). Research on L1 use has focused on three main themes: parental involvement, teacher attitudes, and incorporating L1 into instruction. This study investigated how using ELLs' native language in the classroom affected their attitudes toward school. ELL students in a fourth grade classroom participated in a project where they represented their native culture through pictures and words. Results from the study included influences on participants' attitudes about school and their L1, level of parental involvement, and use of their L1 for the participants. These results enhance the literature on how acculturative stress affects ELLs' immigrant ethnic identity and how teachers can help lower this stress in the classroom.
Recommended Citation
Griffith, Kelly, "The Effects of English Language Learners' Native Language on Their Attitudes Toward School" (2015). Student Research Submissions. 169.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/169