 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Plenary talk: "Learning to Read and Write in English: Literacy Development for Adolescent and Adult Immigrants in the US"
Biographical Statement Plenary Abstract
Biographical Statement
Susan Finn Miller has worked with English language learners for nearly fifteen years. She has taught all levels of ESL in various contexts including Intensive English Programs, Family Literacy, and adult ESL. For a number of years, Susan has provided professional development opportunities throughout Pennsylvania and at the national level for ESL teachers who work with adults and/or children. Susan’s diverse experiences with English language learners have raised questions for her about how language learning and literacy development for various learners might be the same and different. Susan earned her Ph.D. in Language, Literacy and Culture from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Her interests include identity issues for immigrants, cognitive strategies for literacy development and language learning, teacher centered, learner centered and critical approaches to teaching, and the role of families in children’s language and literacy development. Susan has taught graduate level courses at West Chester University, Eastern Mennonite University and the University of Pennsylvania. Her published articles have appeared in Thinking Classroom, Family Literacy Forum, Essential Teacher, and ESL Magazine, among others.
Abstract
Learning to Read and Write in English: Literacy Development for Adolescent and Adult Immigrants in the US
This talk will focus on literacy issues for English language learners in the United States. The speaker will first outline what is meant by literacy or literacies with regard to older children and adults who are learning English. The presenter will then discuss the development of reading and writing skills and raise questions about what principles might apply for teaching reading and writing across the lifespan. The speaker will consider how evidence-based reading research may or may not apply to the teaching of reading and writing for English language learners.
What does the latest research say about the role of first language literacy for developing academic skills in English? Why is it that significant numbers of English language learners drop out of school? Why do many of those who graduate from American high schools still struggle with reading and writing upon entering post secondary institutions? Many of these learners seek services in adult literacy programs and community colleges where teachers struggle to support their learning. What do ESL teachers who teach older learners in middle school and high school, adult ESL programs, and in higher education need to know about literacy development and learning? The presenter will suggest some answers, but will also raise important questions by drawing together insights from theorists and researchers in K-12, higher education, and adult literacy. There will be time built in for participants to activate their prior knowledge and discuss personal experiences with one another.