Looking through the crystal: Considering various perspectives on an immersion program in Honduras
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Authors
Bettney, Esther
Date
2016-02-22
Type
Language
en
Keyword
second language education , English-language education , immersion programs
Alternative Title
Abstract
While immersion research is a well-established field, few studies have been
conducted on immersion programs in Central America. This paper considers the
perspectives of students, teachers, and the researcher on the teaching and learning of
English in an immersion program in Honduras. Research in bilingual education has
identified the importance of including the perspective of both students (Hamacher, 2007)
and researchers (Schulz, 1996). Through the use of Richardson and St. Pierre’s (2008)
model of crystallization, these perspectives were considered in order to further illuminate
aspects of the teaching and learning of English at The Pines Bilingual School in Honduras.
As part of a larger study, data were collected through written reflections, focus group and
individual interviews, classroom observations, and a research log. An inductive analysis
revealed two complementary themes: students’ language use inside of the classroom and
students’ language use outside of the classroom. The perspectives on each theme were
compared to relevant research in the field of immersion education and then key implications
for practice were explored.