Physical Educators Teachers Perceptions when Teaching English Language Learners (ELL)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore how physical educators from the state of New York accommodate English Language Learners (ELL) in their Physical Education (PE) classes. Furthermore, to find out how many teachers have a background in foreign languages and the strategies they use to teach these students. A content-validated open-ended questionnaire was used to collect the data. A total of 53 PE teachers completed the questionnaire. Results from this study indicated that the majority (73%) do not know a second language other than English. They also expressed the need for teacher preparation programs to provide more information on effective strategies on how to teach ELL students. Data analysis uncovered two recurrent themes: (a) lack of knowledge on a second language, and (b) the lack of knowledge of effective teaching strategies. Professional development opportunities and clear guidelines on how to teach ELL students need to be provided to PE teachers.
References
Burden, J.W., Columna, L., Hodge, S. R., & Martínez de la Vega Mansilla, P. (2013). Ethnolinguistically relevant pedagogy: Empowering English language learners in physical education. Quest, 65, 169-185. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2013.773528
Columna, L., & Lieberman, L. (2011). Promoting language through physical education: Using sign language and Spanish to engage everyone. Human Kinetics Publishers.
Columna, L., Dolphin, M., & McCabe, L. (2016). Culturally relevant strategies for inclusion of Hispanic students in physical education. In D.B. Robinson & L. Randall (Eds.), Social justice in physical education: Critical reflections and pedagogies for change (pp. 36-62). Canadian Scholars’ Press.
Columna, L., Foley, J.T., & Lytle, R.K. (2010). Physical education teachers’ and teacher candidates’ attitudes toward cultural pluralism. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 29 (3), 295-311. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.29.3.295
Cruz, L.M., & Petersen, S.C. (2011). Teaching diverse students: How to avoid marginalizing difference. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 82(6), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2011.10598640
Culp, B., & Schmidlein, R. (2012). Preparing PETE students for culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Strategies, 25(7), 11-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/08924562.2012.10590976
National Center for Education Statistics (2020). English language learners in public schools. Condition of Education, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cgf.asp
New York State Education Department (2020). The New York State Physical Education Standards. NYSED. http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/new-york-physical-education-learning-standards-2020.pdf
Nguyen, H.T., & Watanabe, M.F. (2013). Using visual supports to teach English language learners in physical education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 84(8), 46-53. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2013.818432
Patton, M.Q. (2014). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (4th ed.). Sage Publishing.
Samalot-Rivera, A., Treadwell, S.M., & Sato, T. (2018). Instructional strategies to consider when teaching Hispanic English-language learners in physical education. Strategies, 31(2), 26-30. https://doi.org/10.1080/08924562.2017.1418691
Santillan, Y., Jacobs, J.M., & Wright, P. M. (2015). Integrating best practices in ELL classrooms with quality physical education instruction. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 86(3), 51-53. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2015.998553
Sato, T., & Hodge, S.R. (2016). Elementary physical education teachers’ experiences in teaching English language learners. Education & Urban Society, 48, 262-287. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013124514529327
Toscano, L., & Rizopoulos, L.A. (2013). Making content accessible for English language learners in the physical education classroom. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 4(14), 99-104. https://ijbssnet.com/journals/Vol_4_No_14_November_2013/13.pdf
Vilson, J.L. (2015). How Common Core hurts English language learners. The Progressive. https://inthesetimes.com/article/how-common-core-hurts-english-language-learners
Copyright (c) 2022 Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
