Communication & Pedagogy in Bilingual Classrooms

1.      Students will be exposed to the ideologies, structures, and pedagogical conditions that most impact the teaching and learning of bilingual/bicultural students in the United States.

2.      Students will be exposed to the cultural, linguistic, and community values of bilingual/bicultural populations.

3.      Students will be exposed to a critical bilingual/bicultural vision and praxis of teacher formation.

4.      Students will be exposed to how outstanding teachers make a significant difference in students' learning and life chances.

5.      Students will be exposed to transformative models of schooling that engage students' experiences to enhance their social and intellectual development.

6.      Students will be exposed to Chicana/Latina feminist definitions of teaching and learning, and ways of knowing in education.

7.      Students will examine mujer- (women-) centered definitions of pedagogy and epistemology rooted in Chicana/Latina theories and visions of life, family, community, and world.

1. Deberes Estudiantiles                                                                                                                       15%

You are expected to complete assignments prior to class and to actively participate in (small and large) group discussions (may include in-class writing assignments).

2. Diario de Discusión                                                                                                             15%

You are required to respond to the selected discussion questions online and in class. More information will be provided in class and/or via WebCT.

3. Carta de Bienvenida a los Padres                                                                                         10%

You will write a 1-2 page (single-spaced) welcome letter to your students' parents. Your letter must include your philosophy on teaching, teaching style and your goals for the year. Also, your letter should include your preferred method(s) of communication. You must upload your letter on WebCT to share it with the class. You are also responsible for reading all of your classmates' letters.

4. Class Presentation on Selected Readings                                                                              15%

You will sign up in groups of three to present and lead discussion on assigned readings for a given class. The possible readings from Teacher preparation for bilingual student populations: Educar para transformar have been identified in italics on the Calendar. Use of technology is required.

5. El Significado de ser Maestra Bilingüe                                                                                 15%

You will write a 3 page paper (double-spaced) on the personal and professional meanings you associate with being a bilingual education teacher. You must upload your essay on WebCT to share it with the class. You are also responsible for reading all of your classmates' essays.

5. El Significado de ser Chicana/Latina/Mexicana                                                                   10%

You will write a 3 page paper (double-spaced) on the meaning of being a Chicana/Latina/Mexicana. You will also develop a 5-10 minute presentation to share your writings with the class. Your presentation must incorporate some form of technology.

6. Ensayo Final                                                                                                                                    20%

You will write a 5-8 page final essay that expands on one of the seven objectives of this course. You will also develop a presentation using technology to share your writings with the class. You must upload your paper on WebCT to share it with the class. You are also responsible for reading all of your classmates' papers.

A         90 – 100%                  Work is outstanding and exemplary

B          80 – 89%                   Work that is above the minimum requirements

C         70 – 79%                    Work that meets expected level of performance for most students

D         60 – 69%                   Work that falls short of minimum criteria

F      59% or below                 Work that falls well below the expected level of performance for most students

Assignments need to be turned in on the due date.  If for some reason you are unable to bring in an assignment, you must e-mail it, or send it in with a friend when it is due. Ten points will be deducted each day it is late. Extenuating circumstances must be discussed with the instructor at least 2 days before the due date, but only one time per semester. Assignments must be turned in with a hard copy on the day they are due, as stated on the course calendar.

Study Time Requirements – For each class hour, at least three hours outside of class are expected. This course will meets 3 hours a week. Therefore it is expected that you spend 9 outside-of-class hours each week to read, study, and complete your assignments. It is expected that if you enrolled in this course, you can meet the time requirements.

Professionalism Policy – Conduct as a professional educator is expected at all times. "Attendance, punctuality the quality of your interactions with colleagues and supervisors, and the quality and timeliness regarding completing assignments all determine your professionalism, which in turn, signals your readiness to advance in the teacher education program." Silence all cell phones before class starts. No texting is allowed. Texting is very distracting to all members of the class and is considered rude and disrespectful behavior.

Handout Policy – The instructor will only take responsibility for having handouts and materials at class on the day initially provided.  If you have to be absent, be sure to make arrangements for a peer to collect materials for you.

Inclement Weather Policy – In case of inclement weather, students are encouraged to check the weather announcement on the MSU homepage or to call the education department (397-4370) if they have no immediate access to the Internet.