English language development across the curriculum

Abstract

Abstract The article provides information about the English Language Development Across the Curriculum (ELDAC) Project. The ELDAC Project was initiated to develop whole-school responsibility for the English language needs of students of non-English speaking background. The aim was to integrate appropriate language support for NESB learners within all subject areas. The project emphasizes the crucial role that language plays in learning; the relationship between meaning and form; and the need to focus on language development as an integral part of all subjects. The approach is based on a view of language which provides the theoretical framework for the analysis of language demands of high school subjects. A basic tenet of the approach is that the identification of language demands associated with teaching and learning objectives is an essential part of lesson and unit planning and should be reflected in the presentation of content, learning activities, preparation for writing tasks and assessment. Work done by teachers as a result of the project has not only provided necessary support for learning for NESB students but has also resulted in a significant enhancement of the language and learning abilities of many native-speaking students.