Language Proficiency and Science Learning
Chapter
Abstract
Language is crucial to the teaching and learning of science. It is used in negotiating defined outcomes in science learning. Words, tenses and sentence structure used in communicating science concepts affect the way learners respond during a teachinglearning encounter. Though non-verbal modes of communication (signs, body movements or contacts, gestures, shapes, structures and colour patterns) can aid teaching, vocal and or verbal communications appear to be more effective in humans.
Keywords
Language Policy Language Proficiency Language Minority Home Language English Language Proficiency
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
- Aguuire, M. (1996). Effects of open-ended questions on Spanish-dominant LEP students' ability to demonstrate in-depth science concepts development and use of scientific vocabulary. NYSABE Journal. Retrieved April 7, 2008, from http://www.ncela.gwu.edu/files/rcd/BE021386/Effects_of_Open_Ended.pdf.
- Amedeker MK (1998) The place of English language in science teaching and learning in junior secondary schools in Ghana. Journal of the Ghana Science Association 1(1):7–11CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Anamuah-Mensah J, Asabere-Ameyaw A, Mereku KD (2007) Ghanaian Junior Secondary School Students' achievement in mathematics and science. Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, AccraGoogle Scholar
- Anamuah-Mensah J, Otuka JOE, Ngman-Wara EIND (2006) Words in students' meanings. Keffi Journal of Educational Studies 1:1–11Google Scholar
- Anderson, I. K. (2006). The relevance of science education as seen by pupils in Ghanaian Secondary Schools. Ph.D. thesis, University of Western Cape, Cape Town.Google Scholar
- August, D., Artzi, L., & Mazrum, J. (2010). Improving science and vocabulary learning of English language learners. CREATE Brief. Retreived September 15, 2010, from http://www.cal.org/create/resources/pubs/CREATEBrief_AcademicLanguage.pdf.
- Ayelsoma SJ (2008) Influence of English language proficiency on science performance at the Junior High School. M.Phil. thesis, UEW, WinnebaGoogle Scholar
- Bambgbose A (1984) The changing role of the mother-tongue in education. In: Bamgbose A (ed) Mother-tongue education—The West African experience. Hodder and Stoughton, London, pp 9–26Google Scholar
- Bellamy C (1999) The state of the world's children. UNICEF, New YorkGoogle Scholar
- Brantmeier C (2004) Gender, violence-oriented passage content and second language reading comprehension. The Reading Matrix 4(2):1–19Google Scholar
- Brock-Utne B (1997) The language question in Namibian schools. International Review of Education 43(2/3):241–260CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Caygill, R., Sturrock, F., & Chamberlain, M. (2007). Mathematics and science achievement in New Zealand: Tracking the changes of year-five students in TIMSS1994-2002. New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved October 15, 2007, from http://www.educatincounts.edcentre.govt.nz/goto/timss.
- Cummins, J. (1984). Bilingualism and special education—Issues in assessment and pedagogy. Cleveland, UK: Multilingual Matters. Retrieved October 20, 2007, from http://www.doevirginia.gov.
- Cummins J (1991) Language development and academic learning—A framework for intervention. Harvard Educational Review 56:161–175Google Scholar
- Curtis S, Millar R (1988) Language and conceptual understanding in science: A comparison of English- and Asian-language-speaking children. Research in Science and Technological Education 6(1):61–77CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Government of Ghana (2005) White paper on educational reforms. Government of Ghana, AccraGoogle Scholar
- Jegede O (1995) Collateral learning and the eco-cultural paradigm in science and mathematics education in Africa. Studies in Science Education 25:97–137CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Jegede O, Aikenhead GS (1999) Transcending cultural borders: Implications for science teaching. Journal for Science & Technology Education 17(1):45–66CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Kessler C, Quinn ME (1987) ESL and science learning. In: Crandall J (ed) ESL through content-area instruction. Prentice Hall Regents, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, pp 55–87Google Scholar
- Kessler C, Quinn ME, Fathman AK (1992) Science and cooperative earning for LEP students. In: Kessler C (ed) Cooperative language learning. Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Prentice Hall RegentsGoogle Scholar
- Krashen SD, Biber D (1987) On course. California State University, Los AngelesGoogle Scholar
- Lee O, Fradd SH, Sutuman FX (1995) Science knowledge and cognitive strategy use among culturally and linguistically diverse students. Journal of Research in Science Teaching 32:797–816CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Lemke J (1990) Talking science: Language learning and values. Albex, NorwalkGoogle Scholar
- Maghsuidi M (2007) Learning English as a third language—A comparative study between Indian and Iranian bilinguals. Language in India 7:1–10Google Scholar
- Martin MO, Mullis IVS, Gonzales EJ, Chrostowiski SJ (2004) TIMSS 2003 International science report: Findings from IEA'S trends in international mathematics and science study at the fourth and eighth grades. Boston College, Chestnut HillGoogle Scholar
- McRobbie CJ, Tobbin K (1996) Significance of limited proficiency and cultural capital to the performance of science of Chinese-Australians. Journal of Research in Science Teaching 33:256–282Google Scholar
- Osafehinti IO, Nabie MJ (2001) A Study of language policy and practice at upper primary school level in Ghana. Journal of Ghanaian Language Education 1:10–23Google Scholar
- Pomeroy D (1994) Science education and cultural diversity: Mapping the field. Studies in Science Education 24:49–73CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Skutnabb-Kangus T (1981) Bilingualism or not: The education of minorities. Multilingual Matters Ltd., ClevedonGoogle Scholar
- Sutman F (1993) Teaching science effectively to limited English proficient students. ERIC/CUE Digest, Number, 87Google Scholar
- Tobbin K, McRobbie CJ (1996) Cultural myths as constraints to the enacted science curriculum. Science Education 80:223–241CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Torres, H. N., & Zeidler, D. L. (2002). The effects of English language proficiency and scientific reasoning skills on the acquisition of science content knowledge by Hispanic English language speaking students. Electronic Journal of Science Education, 6(3). Retrived Aug, 15, 2010 from http://www2.sjsu.edu/elementaryed/ejlts/
- Yakubu JM (1976) Influence of culture on learning and teaching of science in northern Ghana. Science Teacher 2:60–75Google Scholar
Copyright information
© Sense Publishers 2012