Culturally Relevant Texts for English Learners with Refugee Backgrounds

• In Event: 2021 Education Research Service Project Invited Poster Session

Abstract

The goal of this Education Research Service Project (ERSP) was to enhance the English proficiency of adult beginning English learners (ELs) with refugee backgrounds. Partnering with Global Friends Coalition, a community-based non-profit organization in Grand Forks, North Dakota, we designed lessons using culturally relevant picture books to address English language proficiency and sustain culture for adult EL learners. Then, as subset of these adult EL learners practiced with these books by sharing them via video and discussing them with their children at home. We explored using culturally relevant texts in English language instruction as a way to support adult students’ success, because theoretically the culturally relevant texts would allow participants to make more meaningful connections and use their bilingualism and biculturalism in conversations about the books.

Authors

• Hyonsuk Cho, University of North Dakota

• Tanya M. Christ, Oakland University