Multicultural and Multilingual Learning Environments

The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for the student to grow in knowledge, experience and skill in developing and maintaining effective multicultural and multilingual learning environments. Historical, theoretical and policy foundations of ESL will be examined as a basis for effective and necessary classroom instructional and management practices. Research studies will be examined and discussed as they relate to successful multicultural and multilingual environments. Student characteristics, family involvement and community resources will be examined as important factors in the learning environment. Students will be required to observe/assist in a multicultural/multilingual situation for a minimum of 10 hours during the semester. Students will be required to design an 'effective' learning environment for multicultural/multilingual children.