different approaches to teaching english language learners in ontario private elementary schools
abstract
there has been growing interest in the methods and programs that have been
implemented in ontario for english language learners in recent years. however, there is
a dearth of research that focuses specifically on english language learners in the
elementary years and their progress and needs.
the purpose of this portfolio is to review the current materials available and
explore the methods of teaching english in ontario schools. this exploration was
completed through a pilot qualitative research that could be conducted on a larger
scale. the sample interviews were conducted at two private schools with a focus on
their elementary grade english language learners.
the interviews focused on five main themes that are present in the experiences
of english language learners and many educators. these themes cover some important
topics that could shed some light on how the experiences of elementary school english
language learners could be improved. the themes identified in this research were the
specific programs in place, and the identification of effective and ineffective methods
used to design these programs. these themes also take into consideration the
successful acquisition of academic english, the criteria and classification for english
language learners, as well as the perceptions held by educators and english language
learners themselves.
the analysis of these findings demonstrates a clear need for further research in
this field specifically with regard to elementary english language learners, but also of all
english language learners in ontario.