One English Learner’s Transcurricular Learning Through Peer Interactions: A Case Study

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Perspectives and Pedagogy (Table 4)

Abstract

Grounded in sociocultural perspectives, this case study examines how peer interactions relate to learning for English Learners (ELs) to complicate the discourse of academic challenges faced by ELs. The study adopts an iterative data collection and analysis process including open and holistic coding. By analyzing one sixth-grade EL's peer interaction patterns evident across curriculums, the study finds that playful interactions engendered a sense of community and buttressed the EL’s verbal engagement. However, non-verbal cues were often overlooked. The findings suggest that peer interactions can be a valuable resource for both ELs and non-ELs and provide insights for educators to leverage these dynamics for improved learning outcomes for all students.

Author

• Jina Byeon, University at Albany - SUNY