A supplementary language curriculum proposal for high school and college level Spanish heritage language instruction
Abstract
This study examined the need of pedagogically-sound curriculum designs for heritage language learners (HLLs) in the area of Rensselaer, Indiana, which is experiencing a steady increase of the Hispanic population due to a demand for workers in the growing industry of dairy farms. Statistics show that in the United States the Hispanic community, especially of Mexican origin, is considerably increasing and the area of Rensselaer, Indiana is no exception. Based on interviews with current Spanish instructors in the local high-school and college and a careful examination of the existing syllabi, we were able to determine that at present there is a need for curriculum designs that fulfill the needs of HLLs. Thus, following the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) standards for foreign language instruction and the current literature in the field of heritage language instruction, the present study attempts to provide an example of the type of syllabus that might be more optimal for HLL instruction.
Degree
M.A.
Advisors
Hammond, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Language arts|Linguistics|Foreign Language
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