Educating English Learners: Language Diversity in the Classroom

by James Crawford

Long popular with students and professors alike, Educating English Learners, 5th ed., differs from typical academic texts in several ways. Its journalistic style and presentation, drawn from real-world programs and events, have made it one of the most readable books used in teacher-education programs. Author James Crawford, a former Washington Editor of Education Week, offers a broad perspective encompassing policy and politics as well as research and pedagogy. Avoiding the “everything but the kitchen sink” approach, he stresses in-depth discussion of key concepts and controversies that are most relevant to classroom teachers. Crawford relies not only on academic sources, but also on interviews he has conducted over many years with researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates. In addition, the new Kindle edition provides extensive links to bibliographical references, plus a Web-based Online Resource Guide featuring hundreds of primary source materials, research studies, legislation and litigation, ERIC Digests, historical documents, government reports, and other aids to further research.

“By far the most complete, the most thorough, and the most insightful volume ever done in the field.”
– Stephen Krashen, Professor Emeritus, University of Southern California

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Linguistics

587 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

These 101 questions and answers can really be boiled down to two:

1. Q: What is the best way to teach English language learners?
A: Through bilingual education, allowing the students to get the content knowledge they need as they develop their English.

2. Q: But --?
A: No, the following research defeats that argument.

The book makes a strong argument for bilingual education and against many of the ways that school systems (including mine) treat ELLs.

[Malbadeen · Rating 2 out of 5]

must...read....book. Have to.....read....book. dont want to.....read.....book.

[Kristal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good at answering questions for a teacher who has many questions about how English Language Learners (ELLs) can be accomidatted in a classroom.

[Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crawford takes a critical look at the history, politics and practice of teaching language minority students. His biases are mine, i.e. pro bilingual, and he keeps up on all the latest in research, theory, politics and news. A little too detailed on some historical ins and outs at times, but those can be skimmed.

[Fabiola Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful resource that answers the most common questions regarding English Language Learners. The book has 101 questions and 101 answers. Great read!

[Chelsie Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough over view of questions concerning English Language Learners and the role of English in America and American schools. The order of the questions had a good flow. Each question related to the one that followed. My biggest complaint is that the references for the answers are not in the text which makes them not always feels researched based and backed. However, a list of references for each question can be found in the back along with a list for further reading.

Over all a good quick read for those interested not only in "English Learners in American Classrooms" but all English learners in America and the policies towards English teaching and English use in American government.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent primer on the "English Only" debate that has been raging in the United States. Accurately identifies the national wealth the nation possesses with its rich resource of multiple languages in terms of global trade and defense. A must read for those that seek a stronger country!

[CR Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

FINALLY done with the class!

[Trista · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book that outlines the issues surrounding the education of English language learners.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written book concerning English Language Learners. I read this in two days. Loads of great information.