A focus on L1 linguistic competence and metalinguistic awareness during writing
Submitted by:
Kimberly Wolbers
Abstract:
Background of the study: We present on a project focused on developing Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction (SIWI) for deaf 3-5 graders. Studies have shown SIWI has a statistically significant impact on American Sign Language (L1) complexity, as well as written language outcomes in English (L2).
The purpose of the current study was to further develop and describe instruction occurring in the language zone during SIWI. The language zone is a space where teachers and students converse in and about L1 and L2. Students, for example, are involved in: (1) problem solving conversations in their L1 using dialogic inquiry, (2) explicit L1 and L2 contrastive procedures, and (3) L2 enrichment activities.
Research question: When and how do teachers use the language zone to give focus to L1?
Theoretical framework: SIWI is a framework for writing instruction guided by three major principles: strategy instruction, interactive instruction, and linguistic competence/ metalinguistic knowledge. The last principle draws upon theories in language acquisition and second language research.
Methodology: We provided six teachers with professional development regarding linguistic competence and metalinguistic development, and then engaged in discussion on how to implement ideas in their instruction. We used a collaborative iterative process to create, implement, and refine SIWI instructional approaches.
Data: We reviewed classroom footage to examine when and how teachers gave focus to L1. We categorized the teachers’ instructional moves based on students’ language contributions and needs (e.g., L1 delayed, L1 to L2 translation, L2 enrichment) during the writing process.
Results: Instructional approaches were organized into a flow chart. This along with video clips and vignettes illustrate language zone strategies. Additionally, we constructed a fidelity instrument with principles specific to linguistic competence and metalinguistic knowledge.