The Second Language Learning Processes Of Students With Specific Learning Difficulties

The Second Language Learning Processes of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties is the only recent book available to offer a detailed and in-depth discussion of the second language learning processes of students with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs). It summarizes research advances in the fields of cognitive and educational psychology and integrates them with recent studies in the area of second language acquisition (SLA). Thus the book is relevant not only to readers who are particularly interested in the role of specific learning difficulties in learning additional languages, but also to those who would like to understand how individual differences in cognitive functioning influence SLA. The book focuses on four important areas that are particularly relevant for language learners with SpLDs: the processes of SLA in general and the development of reading skills in particular, the effectiveness of pedagogical programs, the assessment of the language competence of students with SpLDs and identifying SpLDs in another language. The book also views learners with SpLDs in their social and educational contexts and elaborates how the barriers in these contexts can affect their language learning processes. This is an excellent resource for language teachers, students, and researchers in the areas of second language acquisition and applied linguistics.

This book is intended to help language teachers to work effectively and successfully with students who have Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs). It enables teachers to gain a thorough understanding of the nature of SpLDs and how these affect both general learning processes and the mechanisms of second language acquisition. In addition, the book explores the particular inclusive methods and techniques of teaching and assessment that foster success in language learning. Language teaching is embedded in a wider social and educational context, and therefore the book also provides an in-depth discussion of general educational issues related to identifying and disclosing disabilities and to making transitions from one institution to the other. The content has been thoroughly updated and revised for the second edition, particularly in the areas of inclusive pedagogies, new evidence-based methods and tools for identifying SpLDs, and new conceptualisations of neurodiversity. The book also includes the latest research on assessment, transition and progression, and the impact of SpLDs on additional language learning.

This book provides an overview of topics related to the language learning processes of learners with special needs including students with learning disabilities as well as Deaf language learners and methods of teaching foreign languages to them. The chapters written by authors in a wide variety of educational settings discuss individual learner characteristics and profiles, diagnosis and assessment issues and instructional programs.

This unique guide for special education teachers, teachers of English language learners, and other practitioners provides the foundational information needed to determine whether the language difficulties experienced by English language learners (ELLs) result from the processes and stages of learning a second language or from a learning disability (LD). The book addresses the following critical factors in detail: determining whether an ELL's struggles with reading in English are due to LD or language acquisition; characteristics of language acquisition that can mirror LD; different types of ELLS and why these differences are important; considering a student's "opportunity to learn" when determining whether he or she may have LD; common misconceptions and realities about ELLs and the second language acquisition process; ways that learning to read in English as a second or additional language differ from learning to read English as a first language, and how the differences can be confusing for ELLs; how schools can establish structure to facilitate the process of distinguishing between language acquisition and LD; how families are involved in the process; guidelines for determining which ELLs should be referred for evaluation; and what it means to use an ecological framework to determine whether ELLs have LD.

Ehrman presents the insights, techniques and skills needed to understand why some adult students have difficulties with learning a second language, emphasising the importance of careful investigation and correct diagnosis of the cause.

Using an interdisciplinary perspective to discuss the intersection of language development and learning processes, this book summarizes current knowledge and represents the most critical issues regarding early childhood research, policy, and practice related to young bilingual children with disabilities. The book begins with a conceptual framework focusing on the intersection between the fields of early childhood education, bilingual education, and special education. It goes on to review and discuss the role of bilingualism in young children’s development and the experiences of young bilingual children with disabilities in early care and education settings, including issues of eligibility and access to care, instruction, and assessment. The book explores family experiences, teacher preparation, accountability, and policy, ending with recommendations for future research which will inform both policies and practices for the education of young bilingual children with disabilities. This timely volume provides valuable guidance for teachers, administrators, policymakers, and researchers.