Date of Award
3-24-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Education
Program
Education with Emphasis in English as a Second Language
Capstone Instructor
Dr. Kelly Sadlovsky
Second Reader
Kasya Willhite
Keywords
English language learners (ELLs), asset-based pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching
Abstract
Research studies were analyzed to find how English language learners (ELLs) brought unique skills, ideas, cultural experiences, and language into the classroom that could benefit all students. The assets ELL students brought into the classroom had a positive effect on the student’s education when educators recognized the strengths of students. Research exposed the deficit mindset that had inhabited education where ELL students were behind in academics because of lagged language skills (Genesee, Lindholm-Leary, Saunders, Christian, 2005). The scope of the researched proved that a deficit mindset in regard to ELL students did not lead to academic success. Instead, the studies synthesized how asset-based strategies such as culturally responsive teaching and the use of home languages positively impacted student growth in academics and in whole-child development.
Keywords: English language learners (ELLs), asset-based pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching