In contrast to the brevity of the intensive program the extensive program "consists of longer selections, that are assigned to be read outside of class, like novels or short stories" (Kruger).
Of course a major goal of the program was English language knowledge and reading comprehension, but "Vocabulary building is an intrinsic part of all aspects of the program too," and "Increasing reading speed is an integral by-product of this program, and comes about naturally as a result of increasing facility in reading" (Kruger). Reading speed was not seen as essential, but, as the author said, it was a natural "by-product" of the program. Both of these last two features also were desired features of the programs. Reading comprehension truly comes with an increased vocabulary, and as students understand the material better they will naturally read it faster.
The author of the study also realized that there was another integral part of succeeding with this type of teaching plan. "Feedback via the testing of students is important at all stages of the program, to assure that objectives are being met. The testing should be diagnostic, for identifying student problems in reading, and should measure their general proficiency levels" (Kruger). The teacher needs to make sure that the students are getting the material and that they are not just coasting through. Many ESL students have difficulty communicating their need for help, and this type of feedback will give the teacher immediate knowledge of any deficient areas in each students work.
Article 4. Ernst-Slavit, Moore, & Maloney.
This particular study was conducted by three ESL teachers who began with the premise that "Literacy is part of language; thus, reading and writing develop alongside speaking and listening" (Ernst-Slavit, Moore & Maloney). They also saw the need, initially to "focus on what students have rather than on what they lack" (Ernst-Slavit, Moore & Maloney). This meant that the teaching regimen that they wanted to develop was much more student-focused than subject-focused.
One of the major findings of their research was that "second-language learners are capable of obtaining the everyday language used in conversation within a relatively quick period of time -- around two years" (Ernst-Slavit, Moore & Maloney). This had been proven time and again with both secondary school students and adults, but the problem was that ESL students were still failing at an alarming rate and not going on to higher education because they did not reach their highest learning capability in high school. This was because "the acquisition of the academic language and literacy needed for high school coursework takes anywhere from 5 to 11 years depending upon which research you base your numbers" (Ernst-Slavit, Moore & Maloney).
Thus, the researchers conducted a study that helped them understand where the deficiencies were. "The ability to determine the stage the student is passing through and what strategies are effective in a given stage can provide both teacher and student with a means of communicating effectively at any point in the language-acquisition process" (Ernst-Slavit, Moore & Maloney). The stage for each student is important to understand because the range is 5 to 11 years which means that not all will progress equally. Whereas this statement seems common sense, many were teaching as if all of the ESL students were at the same stage in their language development. The researchers also found that "Providing a stress-free environment with continued support and encouragement, where students are able to pass and not respond, is a requirement" (Ernst-Slavit, Moore & Maloney). This fact became more apparent as the data showed the stress that each student encountered as a part of their daily life.
Article 5. Emmenecker.
This researcher is affiliated with the corrections system in Michigan and conducted research regarding the need for ESL training in the prisons there. The reason for the study is that there is an increasing number of inmates who either do not speak English, or they are severely below proficiency levels. Thus, since a GED or high school diploma was a condition of every parole hearing by state...
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