Podcasting to engage English language learners in the math classroom: a unit of study

Title from first page of PDF file (viewed Dec. 19, 2011)Committee members: Brian Lawler (chair), Alice M. L. QuiochoKeywords: English Language Learners, Fractions, Literacy, Mathematics, Podcasts, TechnologyThesis (M.A.)--California State University San Marcos, 2011Includes bibliographical references (p. 110-113)For this unit of study, the author developed lessons in response to the large population of Spanish English Language Learners in Southern California and the lack of use of audio files in the classrooms. This study explores the effects of using audio technology, specifically podcasts, in the math classroom to fill the language gap related to the acquisition of a Second Language. Podcasts engage English Language Learners in the math classroom because podcasts provide opportunities for them to communicate, read, and write about fractions. Over a three week period, six-grade students worked through different activities and produced three podcasts. Podcasting, specifically in this unit of study, provided the students with opportunities to enhance their knowledge of math through technology and challenge themselves beyond the regular work in the classroom. The author concludes that podcasts engage English Language Learners in an Algebra I classroom while they become proficient in Englis