Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

8-2006

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Sociology

Committee Chair

Talley, Clarence R.

Subject

English language--Study and teaching--Foreign speakers--Case studies; English language--Study and teaching--Kentucky--Louisville

Abstract

This thesis examined the structure and processes of several different organizations that offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in one Kentucky county. The purpose of the study was to analyze the structure of the organizations, and then analyze how the structure affects their approach to teaching ESL. There were three expectations going into this study: the ESL programs would be segregated and distinct from one another, they would be challenged to teach a diverse clientele, and the services would be strongly student-oriented. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six program coordinators and two teachers across six different organizations. The findings revealed that although the programs do operate independently, they are much more connected than initially expected. Due to recent trends in immigration and assimilation patterns, the ESL programs teach classes holistically, based on the needs of a diverse student population.

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