Term

Fall 2023

Capstone

Capstone Project

Degree Name

MA-TESOL

Facilitator(s)

Betsy Parrish

Content Expert

Holly Krech-Thomas

Abstract

This capstone project was guided by the following research question: How can we develop a pedagogy for emerging bilingual EFL students that leverages their full linguistic potential? The research question was identified in response to the shortcomings of an English immersion program that was not promoting the full linguistic potential of its bilingual students. This paper pursues solutions to this problem through a multidisciplinary literature review designed to explore the benefits of bilingualism, how to increase language awareness among students, as well as the explicit use of students’ L1 to learn a L2. Topics explored in the literature review include bilingualism, second language acquisition, critical language awareness, and plurilingualism. A professional development program (PD) with Google Slides and a script is included with the paper. The PD program is designed to provide educators with the theoretical background and the pedagogical approaches that will allow them to pivot towards plurilingualism, thus allowing them to better serve their bilingual students. While the focus of this capstone project is on an EFL context, the content of the literature review and the PD is also relevant for teachers working in EL and bilingual settings.

Project Type

Professional Development

Keywords

ESL/ ELLs, International Teaching, Staff Development

dc_type

text

dc_publisher

DigitalCommons@Hamline

dc_format

application/pdf

dc_source

School of Education Student Capstone Projects

Included in

Education Commons

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