Impact of Bilingualism in Science Final Year Project Presentation Marta Caruda M. de C. March 2008
Content: How to define bilingual? Survey: results & observations Solutions: - Pilot project Pilot project 2003Summary
Bilingual? Living in England, learning English and using one or more languages. Advanced Bilingual Learner Newly arrived to the country learner >10% have EN as additional language (source: Statistics of Education, 2003)
Bilinguals vs. monolinguals:
In which language do you dream?
Were you born in the U.K.?
Do you always understand the language of your Science teacher?
In which language do you read science books?
How confident do you feel about your English?
Very confident about their English:
Ok about their English:
Would you like to become a scientist in the future? Waste of time yes..because its interesting […] it will be hard work and I dont think that I am not that good in science [No,] because I want to be a barristar more Because you get a headhach You have to teach nought children Experiments are fun! Because it is dangeroes
Furthermore… English: 1 st language for 35% bil. pupils (but not spoken at home) Ofsteds report More Advanced Learners of English as an Additional language in schools and colleges (2003)
Pilot project: January Primary National Strategy (PNS) with Ethnic Minority Achievement (EMA) Unit within the DfES - Aim:increase the confidence and expertise of mainstream primary teachers in meeting the needs of advanced bilingual learners.
HOW? Opportunities for speaking & listening Use 1 st language Talk partners Pre-teaching
Effects of pilot project: Higher expectations More confident Ask more & expect to understand Use home language at school Be more on task & focused
Summary Ethnic heritage = underachievement = know different Promote Science: - motivating, demystifying - increasing CONFIDENCE
Acknowledgments Mr. Harrison and Dr. Smith St. Johns Primary School staff and students UAS