The effectiveness of milieu language strategies on the English language growth of Head Start children learning English as a second language
by Worthington, Emily Marie, Ph.D., IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, 2011, 147 pages; 3458344

Abstract:

The current study explored the effectiveness of milieu language strategies on the English language growth over the course of a school year of children learning English as a second language. The four basic milieu language strategies; model, mand-model, time delay, and incidental teaching, can be embedded into daily routines and interaction to teach language skills to children within a supportive context. Three Head Start teachers and nine children, three native English speakers and six native Spanish speakers, participated in the school year-long study. The teachers received training and coaching to effectively implement the milieu strategies. The aim of this study was to examine how instructional strategies created and implemented from a special education perspective based on recommended teaching practices can be used with children learning English as a second language as a means of providing teachers with developmentally appropriate strategies and providing children learning English as a second language with consistent comprehensible input. This study recognizes that children with special needs and children learning English as a second language do not necessarily have similar cognitive abilities and learning needs. The current study sought to answer three questions: can preschool teachers implement milieu language strategies with fidelity, what is the impact of milieu language strategies on young children's English acquisition, and what are teachers' perceptions regarding milieu language strategies. A multiple baseline single subject and qualitative case study methodology was used. Results showed that teachers can implement the strategies with fidelity with on-going feedback and coaching. Milieu language strategies had a positive impact children's language growth. Teachers' perceptions of the milieu language strategies were mixed. Additional research is needed to determine the specific types of coaching needed to maintain intervention fidelity by teachers. Also, additional research is needed to determine the impact of the milieu language strategies on children's language growth who are learning English as a second language during shorter time periods.

 
AdviserGayle J. Luze
SchoolIOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/A 72-09, p. , Jul 2011
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsEnglish as a second language; Early childhood education
Publication Number3458344
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3458344
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.