A. Learner/participant outcomes. Participants will…
1. Identify a variety of beliefs held by teacher candidates about English language
learners.
2. Describe the potential impact of negative beliefs and attitudes on students with
limited English proficiency.
3. Analyze the findings of the study linking candidate beliefs, knowledge and skill
development, and teaching efficacy.
4. Consider implications of the findings for teacher education programs.
B. Methods
We will communicate the major theoretical background of our study, our empirical
results, and the conclusions we have drawn to participants via oral presentation supported
by slides and handouts. Time will be allotted at the end of the presentation for participant
questions or comments. Finally, a few “key questions” for post-session discussion with
colleagues will be provided to extend participant involvement with the topic beyond the
confines of the session.
References
Ballone, L.M., & Czerniak, C.M. (2001). Teachers’ beliefs about accommodating
students’ learning styles in science classes. Electronic Journal of Science Education, 6, 4-
29.
Beattie, J.R., Anderson, R.J., & Antonak, R.F. (1997). Modifying attitudes of
prospective educators toward students with disabilities and their integration into regular
classrooms. The Journal of Psychology, 131, 245-260.
Biddle, S. (2006). Attitudes in Education. The Science Teacher, 73, 3, Proquest
Education Journals, P. 52.
Bender, W.N., Vail, C.O., & Scott, K. (1995). Teachers’ attitudes toward increased
mainstreaming: Implementing effective instruction for students with learning disabilities.
Journal of Learning Disabilities, 28, 87-94.
Gange, R.M. (1985). The conditions of Learning and Theory of Instruction (4
th
ed.).
New York: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston.
Karabenick, S.A., & Noda, P.A. C. (2004). Professional development implications for
teachers’ beliefs and attitudes toward English language learners. Bilingual Research
Journal, 28, 55-76.
Marx, S. (2000). An exploration of pre-service teacher perceptions of second language
learners in the mainstream classroom. Retrieved May 21, 2006, from the ERIC database
(ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. 444 962).
Pettus, & Allain. (1999). Using a questionnaire to assess prospective teachers’
attitudes toward multicultural education issues. Education, 119, 651-658.
Verplaetse, L. S. (1998). How content teachers interact with English Language
Learners. TESOL Journal, 7, 24-28.
Walker, A., Shafer, J, & Iiams, M. (2004). “Not in my classroom”: Teacher attitudes
towards English language learners in the mainstream classroom. NABE Journal of
Research and Practice, 2, 130-160.
Convention