The culturally gifted classroom: a sociocultural approach to the inclusive education of English language learners |
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| Authors: | Barohny Eun |
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| Institution: | Duke University, Durham, NC, USA |
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| Abstract: | The need for including English language learners in the regular classroom at all phases of their linguistic and cultural development is presented within a Vygotkian sociocultural theory of human development. Based on the social primacy of development within this theoretical tenet, all aspects of development are viewed to proceed from social interactions. Effective social interactions that lead to development are distinguished by a heterogeneous collective experience of all participants in the interaction. In accordance with the sociocultural perspective, the educational goal of this heterogeneous group is to acquire and use cultural tools deemed appropriate to their time and place. As others’ cultures and languages become rich resources for becoming competent in one’s own culture, the cultural and linguistic diversity gained by including all students in the classroom becomes a powerful source of development for all. |
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| Keywords: | Sociocultural theory Vygotsky inclusive education English language learners mediation cultural tools |
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