The Ecology of a Special Learning Context: A Church-Based ESL (English as a Second Language) Program Serving Immigrant Adult Learners

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Faith-Based Adult ESL (English as a Second Language) Learning

Abstract

With ecological perspectives on language learning as the theoretical framework and embedded single case study as the research method, this in-depth descriptive study of a church-based ESL program is interested first in getting a picture of the program as a whole by investigating the role of Christian religion in constructing learning and teaching in the special educational space; then it is dedicated to investigating the perspectives of immigrant adult learners concerning their learning experiences, and exploring how their learning experiences interact with their parental involvement and social participation. The study finds the role of servant evangelism in forming a learning community and the achievement of immigrant adults in language proficiency and social adaptation through the program.

Author

• Qiuhui Jiang, The University of Alabama