LITERACY, LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS: STRUCTURING ENGLISH TEACHING PROGRAMS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

"This study will examine English learning environments and methods in rural settings in Europe and the United States, assessing their contributions to language learning, both written and spoken. This is a pilot project and will evolve into a rigorous comprehensive study suitable for publication as a chapter and part of an edited volume. This study will compare and contrast educational systems, including two different styles of English education structured in a comparative analysis using five focal areas. These focal areas include the definition and structure of rural education, English language learning modalities, linguistic environment, academic leadership, educational outcomes and indicators of success. For the purpose of this paper, the definition and structure of rural education and English language learning modalities will be addressed. The opportunity to investigate the experiences of teachers who are active in rural communities and focus on the multidimensional aspects of the education of multilingual learners will provide valuable information that will contribute to expert teaching and learning. Embracing English language learning, new technologies, and initiating change through proactive educational strategies including a paradigm shift to incorporate a translanguaging pedagogy for emergent English speakers will lead to relevant and purposeful accomplishments in rural school settings."