Service-learning And Language Acquisition In Secondary English Language Learners

The driving question in this capstone is, how does service-learning promote academic success and language acquisition in secondary English language learners (ELLs)? Research shows service-learning makes learning more meaningful and increases student motivation across disciplines. While a growing number of studies have documented the benefits of using service-learning in the language classroom at the post-secondary level to aid in language acquisition, this pedagogy is not commonly used in the English Language (EL) classroom at the elementary and secondary level. Yet, ELLs across the United States are struggling both academically and socially. The goal of this project is to illustrate how EL best practices seamlessly align with the elements of the service-learning pedagogy. In addition to offering purposeful language practice, service-learning sets high expectations, engages students in the school and community, and gives students a voice. All of these elements are necessary in effective EL instruction. This project, a guidebook and 8-lesson unit in service-learning for ELLs, serves as a practical tool for educators to initiate service-learning in the EL classroom. It is meant to encourage educators and administrators to investigate what language, academic, and social gains might be possible in their classroom with the fusion of service-learning and EL instruction