Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://scholarhub.balamand.edu.lb/handle/uob/806
Title: Science teaching and learning in multilingual Lebanese middle school classrooms
Authors: Salloum, Sara 
Bou Jaoude, Saouma
Affiliations: Department of Education 
Keywords: Science Classroom Interactions
Conceptual Understanding
Subjects: Multilingualism
Issue Date: 2017
Publisher: Keynote
Conference: European Science Education Research Association (ESERA) (August 2017 : Dublin, Ireland.) 
Abstract: 
Science teachers play a pivotal role in mediating social and academic language in the science classroom through teacher talk and management of classroom discourse. In multilingual science classrooms understanding how native and international languages (English) are used to support meaningful science learning is essential for improving the quality of student learning. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to investigate student and teacher multilingual language practices that potentially influence conceptual understanding in middle school science and examine their meaning-making of such language practices. Data came from middle school science classrooms within different SES. Teachers in these classrooms were interviewed and at least eight of their lessons were videotaped followed by video-based student focus group interviews. A multi-level dialogic framework was used to analyze language practices and participants meaning-making. Classroom interactions are analyzed based on communicative approaches (authoritarian/dialogic) and patterns of discourse. At the micro level, we analyzed utterances based on science knowledge types. We also analyzed shifts among native and international languages. It was found that within lower SES contexts, teachers use native language for connecting phrases with the insertion of English technical terms. Another language practice involved preparing students for the language demands of the national tests given in English. Teachers and students meaning making of their language practices involved both ideological and instrumental aspects, for example from a macro perspective, a theme emerged on how schooling influences reproduction and resistance of social narratives.
URI: https://scholarhub.balamand.edu.lb/handle/uob/806
Open URL: Link to full text
Type: Conference Paper
Appears in Collections:Department of Education

Show full item record

Record view(s)

73
checked on Nov 21, 2024

Google ScholarTM

Check


Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.