English 1312.04
Carrera-Carrillo, Lore. "“Some of us are learning Spanish and some of us are learning English”: A comparison of second language programs in Texas." Thesis. 2003. Carrera-Carrillo observes how dual language programs are gaining popularity throughout the United States and targeting both the minority language students as well as the majority language students. Studies have revealed that there are many advantages which are associated with the learning of the English language. The native language enables students acquire content with better insight and can relate more to these concepts later in the English language. Not all facilities which have embraced the dual language programs have been able to succeed, especially those which involve minority language students. The dual education program is most effective with language majority students. I chose this source because it is helpful in identifying key features that influence the success of the dual language programs in dual language institutions.
Casarez, Nora. "Factors Influencing the English Language Acquisition and Academic Achievement of Hispanic Immigrant High School Students." Thesis. 2014. Casarez studies how many schools are continuing to offer the English language as a second language. This requirement by most schools has made the performance by students highly dependent on their proficiency of the English language. Some students are however more successful in their studies when they drop one of the languages due to various factors such as the lack of family support. This is especially the case for Hispanic students who seem to have trouble acquiring the English language with proficiency. The importance of the English language among Hispanic students is vital for their socio-economic status in their after school life, and new learning modules should be introduced to enhance the acquisition of the English language for Hispanic students. I chose this source because it helpful in highlighting the importance of the English language, and why new learning modules should be introduced in dual language institutions.
Hector-Mason, Anestine. "Cultural processes and cultural learning experiences: How Hispanic ESL adults adjust to life in a small central Texas town." Thesis. 2004. Hector-Mason studies the cultural learning experiences and their adjustment struggles in cities. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are used to collect the experience of the franchised group in the United States. These experiences have a significant influence on an individual’s decisions on matters such as journey destinations and their personal achievements in life. Individuals who traveled to the United States were driven by their desires to fulfill their socio-economic goals in the commonly referred American dream. An individual’s desire for socio-economic success had a great influence on their cultural adjustment. I chose this source because it is helpful in establishing various emotional and cultural adjustments that people from minority languages face, and how they cope.
Lacina, Jan, Linda Levine and Patience Sowa. "LEARNING A SECOND LANGUAGE: Program Models in Texas, Florida, and the United Arab Emirates." Childhood Education (2011): 106-112. Print. Jan, Levine and Sowa argue that with the increasing levels of globalization across the world, the need for people to acquire a second language is becoming insurmountable. Dual language models are becoming more popular in learning institutions, especially in developing economies. Most countries are combining the English language with other languages such as Arabic, French and Japanese. Educators need to come up with better research-based programs which will best fit the needs of the students as well as the position of the country in the global market. I chose this source because it is helpful in establishing the need for the acquisition of the second language in the global market that is experiencing vast growth.
Martin, Kayman. "The state of English as a global language: communicating culture." Textual Practice (2004): 1-22. Martin studies the close ties between language and culture with a special focus on the spread of the English language which is associated with Britain and the American imperialism culture. With the emergence of the globalization era, the English language is currently termed as a culturally neutral language. New technologies and models of teaching associated with the acquisition of the English language are closely studied to influence the new ideologies on the acquisition of the second language. I chose this source because it is helpful in establishing the relationship between culture and language, as well as identifying lessons from the globalization of the English language which can be used in the acquisition of other languages.
Melancon, Jim, Jody Oomen - Early and Lydia M. Del Rincon. "Using the PEN-3 model to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about diabetes type 2 among Mexican American and Mexican Native men and women in North Texas." International Electronic Journal of Health Education (2009). Melancon, Oomen – Early and Del Rincon conducted a study to access factors which promoted or deterred the prevention of diabetes among the adults living in northern part of Texas. Language barriers and misconceptions regarding the disease were identified as some of the factors leading to the prevalence of the disease among the Hispanic speaking community. Interventions such as education programs were identified as some of the ways through which the medical department could promote prevention of the disease. Mistrust of the US medical personnel, lack of finances and low socioeconomic status were identified as other factors deterring the war against diabetes in the community. I chose this source because it is helpful in revealing how language can act as a barrier to developments in various sectors in Texas.
Olivas, Carmen. "Dual language programs: A study of program development, implementation, and outcomes." Thesis. 2006. Olivas conducts a case study that is meant to identify the various processes that are involved in the development and implementation of a dual language program. Many schools in the southwestern parts of Texas have embraced the dual language education program. The purpose of the dual language programs is to enhance the academic gains of students in these institutions especially for Hispanic students in low-income communities. These programs are in line with the goal of the 21st century in which no child should be left behind. Learning programs should be student-oriented and supportive of the student learning abilities. The current education system is uncompromising and willing to pave way for excuses and apologies for a child’s failure. I chose this source because it discusses the benefits of conceptualization of the education system with the use of the dual language program.
Russell, Kathleen. "Forming reflective practitioners through collaborative narrative reflection in theological field education." Thesis. 2011. Russell reflects on how seminaries can ensure that they impart upon the youth religious education which will ensure that the ministry will be sustained over the years. The study was keen on learning programs which are transformative for the church. Reflective learning processes such as storytelling and narrations were used in the study. These processes were effective since they were keen on personal relationships, self-awareness and situations. Experiential learning processes are used in the study to enhance the learning process. The study which was conducted in Texas highlights the importance of using reflective language during the learning process. I chose this source because it indicates how the narrative learning process can benefit the learning process with reference to seminars.
Sparks, Wanda. "Exploring educational issues: International nursing students enrolled in professional nursing programs in south Texas and their perceptions of educational barriers." Thesis. 2009. Sparks studies the various challenges that face the English learner in Texas in relation to nursing students. These nursing students on a professional learning program in Texas were administered with 7 open-ended questions. Among the topics of interest include the student's study behaviors, student support systems, student’s distress and student learning activities. The study was resourceful in highlighting the various learning barriers that are experienced by these students. These barriers hinder many nursing students from completing their nursing studies at the school. I chose this source because it is helpful in identifying the effect of language barriers to nursing students, and proceeds to come up with solutions to this problem.
Tong, Fuhui, et al. "English and Spanish Acquisition by Hispanic Second Graders in Developmental Bilingual Programs: A 3-Year Longitudinal Randomized Study." Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences (2008): 500-529.Tong, Irby, Lara-Alecio and Mathes conducted a study which compared the impact of a bilingual program between Spanish and English, with one program being 80/20 and the 70/30 intervention program. The English language has a positive impact on instruction, while the Spanish language influences pronunciation and intonation. Biliteracy and bilingualism should be promoted since they enhance the language acquisition process for all students from kindergarten all the way to high school. I chose this source because it is helpful in identifying the advantages of a dual language program using the Spanish/ English intervention program.
Over a quarter of the population in Texas speaks Spanish while an approximate 70 percent are English speakers (Hector-Mason). Globalization has brought the need for people in the society to merge language and culture to sustain the ongoing vast expansion of the global markets. Various sectors are in need of this great expansion, but barriers which are related to language have continued to slow this progress. The education sector has continued to experience the influence of language on culture over the years with the previous system imposing the second language on all students. Studies have revealed that minority language students do not fair very well with proficiency in the second language which has a negative impact on their overall performance in school. Some of these students have performed better without the second language, but without a second language, they stand a poor chance of socio-economic success in their later life (Casarez). Dual language programs which have been embraced in various districts in Texas by dual language institutions have proved ineffective on various occasions. The prevalence of the Hispanic language in Texas and failure of the people to embrace the English language has continued to hinder economic growth in Texas, while at the same hiendering breakthrough in other sectors such as the education and health sectors. Texas should promote learning the second language because it will enhance economic growth in texas and promote the success of other sectors such as the education and health.
English has become a global language that is almost void of culture. Seminars have failed to impart on the youth due to the lack of proper learning procedures due to language barriers (Russell). For most people living in Texas to achieve social-economic success, they have to adjust properly to culture and language acquisition. Learning facilities have continued to fail students due to their failure to acknowledge the close ties between language and culture, and instead have continued to impose the second language on the student. The economic status of the 21st century demands that the education program is inclusive of all students and ensures both their academic and socio-economic success in their after school life, and this progress can only be achieved with the proper adoption of dual language programs which are student-oriented.
Over 29 percent of the population in Texas is Hispanic (Hector-Mason). This a large part of the population in Texas. Most states in the United States are embracing English as a second language. Most Hispanic speakers who find themselves in Texas are in search for socio-economic achievements and come to the United States with the hope to fulfill the American dream (Hector-Mason). These Hispanic speakers are faced with the challenges of adjusting culturally with the existence of language barriers. Only those who manage to adjust properly to the new conditions are able to achieve socio-economic achievements. The process is a difficult one as most of these individuals are forced to undergo a harsh emotional time in the process.
Minority language students in Texas are often Hispanic, and their situation is aggravated if these students come from a poor background. Most of these students are incapable of become proficient in English as a second language. Proficiency in the English language is one of the largest determinants of a student's academic performance. In other institutions, these students are given a choice in which they are allowed to drop the second language. Most of these students improve their academic performance. However, with the emergence of the globalization era, the acquisition of a single language limits their potential for socio-economic growth. This is a big challenge for most educators in the United States who have embraced the dual language education program. Most learning facilities in Texas are dual language institutions. The failure to adapt properly to the system is attributed to various factors which include lack of support from their families and failure of institutions to assimilate properly to the program (Casarez).
The health sector has also suffered gravely from the language barrier. In Texas, diabetes is most prevalent among the Hispanic speaking individuals. A research was therefore conducted to identify the factors leading to the increased prevalence of the disease in the community, and why preventive measures were being deterred. Among the many reasons, included misconceptions concerning the disease and the United States medical personnel (Melancon, Oomen - Early and Del Rincon). Most of these individuals also had limited knowledge on the disease and did not have information on how to protect themselves from such illnesses. Due to the language barrier, these individuals also had poor socio-economic status and lacked the funds to access health care services. Nursing students from the community who wished to practice on a professional level also faced many challenges acquiring the English language (Sparks). The English language has become an international language, and it is almost impossible to become a professional without the ability to speak the language fluently.
The dual language learning program has worked on certain occasions especially when the strategy is used with the majority language group. In this model, students are allowed to learn using the Hispanic language and then later they are able to comprehend concepts more clearly in their English language. In the 21st century, no child should be left behind and hence the need for educators to come up with multiple programs to satisfy the various academic needs for various students in the education system (Olivas). The learning environment for these students needs to be supportive, learning oriented and student focused. The previous second language has proved ineffective for various students. The committed educator is keen to come up with newer and more innovative ways to enhance how students are instructed, and which methods are most effective for their learning process. The dual program education program has been proved to be effective especially with minority language students since it helps them acquire concepts in means that are easier for them to grasp since they are closely linked to their culture.
The English language was previously associated with the American imperialism culture. However, things have since changed, and the English language is considered one of a neutral culture. The English language has become an international language and has enabled individuals to break language barriers across borders to become a global market (Olivas). Individuals who arrive in Texas and are able to adjust accordingly to the English language and culture have been proved to achieve their socio-economic ambitions. A richer population guarantees a state of increased economic growth.
The health sector also has a lot of gains to make if the society embraces the dual language program. Health expenses are on the rise in the United States, with diseases which are preventable such as diabetes being on the rise. Diabetes is also associated with other expensive diseases which include high blood pressure and heart-related programs (Melancon, Oomen - Early and Del Rincon). Recent reforms in the health care sector are looking to enhance preventive measures through awareness programs on healthy living styles. The preventive health care plan can only be effective in Texas if the population is in a position to speak a universal language.
The dual language program will also enable more nursing students from the Hispanic community become professional and enable their fellow community members from their community to acquire quality healthcare services. Students with the mastery of a second language have access to more opportunities since they are able to choose from a wide range of options in the global market. This will open up Texas to foreign investors as well as increase the wealth of the population of Texas and the income of the Texas federal government.
Some students have demonstrated better performance without the use of a second language. Some educators might find the necessity to drop the dual program and pay more attention to the single language. A study conducted in the theological sector also proves that reflective narrative language which is made possible with the use of a native language enables youth ministries to be more transformative in their ministerial work. These studies prove that the learning process can be enhanced with the use of the native language.
The current global status in our current society is however in need of students with the mastery of at least two languages, with the English language being fundamental for economic growth to all the economies of the world. Models with the ability to combine the native language with a second language with the use of certain factors have been discovered to ensure the success of the student in their studies. Academic success is not enough if it is not going to ensure the success of these students in their after school life. Nursing students who have failed to learn the English language during their education process have been discovered to face many obstacles in their professional life. Acquiring a second language during adult years is also more cumbersome for adults than for children. The globalization era is in the need for individuals with the ability to relate to the global market without barriers such as language.
The acquisition of a second language is vital for the sustainable growth of economies in the 21st century which has embraced the concept of globalization. Texas needs to embrace the dual language programs in its education system with newer and more innovative ways to ensure that students are able to attain academic success and proficiency of the English language. Hispanic students, especially those from poor economic communities, could benefit heavily from this program since it will ensure these students a better socio-economic status in the future. The health sector and the entire economy stands to gain from the dual language education program since the population will be more knowledgeable on health matters and will be able to cut health care cost both from an individual and community level.
Works cited
Casarez, Nora. "Factors Influencing the English Language Acquisition and Academic Achievement of Hispanic Immigrant High School Students. 2014. Web 24 June 2016.
Hector-Mason, Anestine. "Cultural processes and cultural learning experiences: How Hispanic ESL adults adjust to life in a small central Texas town. 2004. Web 24 June 2016.
Melancon, Jim, Jody Oomen - Early and Lydia M. Del Rincon. "Using the PEN-3 model to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about diabetes type 2 among Mexican American and Mexican Native men and women in North Texas." International Electronic Journal of Health Education (2009). Web 24 June 2016.
Olivas, Carmen. "Dual language programs: A study of program development, implementation, and outcomes.2006. Web 23 June 2016.
Russell, Kathleen. "Forming reflective practitioners through collaborative narrative reflection in theological field education.2011. Web 24 June 2016.
Sparks, Wanda. "Exploring educational issues: International nursing students enrolled in professional nursing programs in south Texas and their perceptions of educational barriers. 2009.Web 23 June 2016.
