“Estoy Aquí Para Servirles”: Pre-Service Teachers Reflect on Advocacy and Service for English Language Learners (ELLs) through a Semester Study Abroad
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Kena Avila
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library
Subject Area
Education
Description
The teaching of English Language Learners (ELLs) is often deeply affected by political agendas and sociocultural beliefs rather than sound pedagogical rationale. While all teaching is a political act, current legislations in the US make it clear that skillful responses are needed for ELLs. For this reason, it is essential to teach future teachers how to identify and interpret different agendas in order to respond as their students’ advocate. “Estoy Aquí Para Servirles” focuses this advocacy work as an act of service. This grant funds one student researcher who participated in a semester long study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico. As a result of living, studying, and volunteering in Mexico this student has deeply examined these issues. She developed an advocacy project based on readings, service, class discussion, and interviews. This grant funds summer student employment to continue an analysis of the work and experiences, and prepare presentations for dissemination.
Recommended Citation
Avila, Kena; Smith, Mackenzie; Namiranian, Vesta; and Seymour, Morgan, "“Estoy Aquí Para Servirles”: Pre-Service Teachers Reflect on Advocacy and Service for English Language Learners (ELLs) through a Semester Study Abroad" (2015). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 5.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2015/all/5
“Estoy Aquí Para Servirles”: Pre-Service Teachers Reflect on Advocacy and Service for English Language Learners (ELLs) through a Semester Study Abroad
Jereld R. Nicholson Library
The teaching of English Language Learners (ELLs) is often deeply affected by political agendas and sociocultural beliefs rather than sound pedagogical rationale. While all teaching is a political act, current legislations in the US make it clear that skillful responses are needed for ELLs. For this reason, it is essential to teach future teachers how to identify and interpret different agendas in order to respond as their students’ advocate. “Estoy Aquí Para Servirles” focuses this advocacy work as an act of service. This grant funds one student researcher who participated in a semester long study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico. As a result of living, studying, and volunteering in Mexico this student has deeply examined these issues. She developed an advocacy project based on readings, service, class discussion, and interviews. This grant funds summer student employment to continue an analysis of the work and experiences, and prepare presentations for dissemination.
