Teaching English to students with special needs: a case of study in a high school of Avila (Spain)

Main Article Content

Tamara Robledo Carranza
Luisa María González Rodríguez

Abstract

This study focuses on the ways in which teachers can teach English as a second language (ESL) in high school to ADHD and Dyslexic students without delaying the rest of the students of the class. The main aim for teachers must be to ensure that all children can learn to their full potential, therefore, this paper describes different methodologies and didactic innovations that can contribute to successful second language learning. The present study was conducted among 23 students of First year of ESO in a high school in Avila (Spain). Data were collected through questionnaires, tasks, and classroom observation. Findings suggest that using Task-Based Learning methodology in conjunction with appropriate didactic innovations have made students not only improve their English language skills, also they feel more motivated towards English language learning. Nevertheless, the results of this study are valid but not conclusive and further investigation in the field is required. 

Article Details

Section

Lingüística

How to Cite

Teaching English to students with special needs: a case of study in a high school of Avila (Spain). (2017). VERBEIA. Revista De Estudios Filológicos. Journal of English and Spanish Studies, 3(2), 88-115. https://doi.org/10.57087/Verbeia.2017.4214

References

Association, American Psychiatric. «Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.» 2013.

Asher, JJ. Learning another Language through Actions. Los Gatos, California: Sky Oaks Productions, 1977.

Bowen, T. “Teaching Approaches: Task-Based Learning”. Onestopenglish. 2013.

Casal, M. “The integrated curriculum, CLIL and constructivism. Models and Practice in CLIL”. Revista Española de Lingüística Aplicada. 2007, Vol. 1, 55-66.

Chen, Z & Goh, C. “Teaching Oral English in Higher Education: Challenges to EFL Teachers”. Teaching in Higher Education. 2011, 16, 3, 333-345.

Ellis, R. Task-based research and language pedagogy. London: Oxford OUP, 2000.

Garcia, M. Reaching All Learners: A Study of Teacher's perspectives about Cooperative Learning and Students Diagnosed with ADHD. Thesis Dissertation. Rusia: ProQuest, January de 2013.

Gardner, H. Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Harper Collins Book, 1983.

Hwang, W, Timothy, K “Recognition-Based Physical Response to Facilitate EFL Learning”. Educational Technology & Society. 2014, Vol. 17, No. 4, 432-445.

D. Johnson, R, Johnson , E & Holubec. The Nuts and the Bolts of Cooperative Learning. Edina, Minnesota: Interaction Book Company, 1994.

Kennelly, B, & others. “Modelling the Preferences of Students for Alternative Assignment Designs Using the Discrete Choice Experiment”. Practical Asessment, Research and Evaluation. 2014, Vol 19, No 16, 1-13.

Larsson, J. Problem-Based Learning: A possible approach to language education. Polonia Institute Jagiellonian: University March, 2001.

Muñoz, C. The Effect of age on Foreign Language Learning: the BAF Project. London: Muñoz Clevedon, 2006.

Nunan, D. Task-based Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press, 2004.

Roszak, K. Activities for Teaching English to Children with Special Needs. Masaryk, 2009.

Sydney, S. Z. “Theory-and Evidence-Based Strategies for children with attentional problems”. Psychology in the Schools. 2005: 42, 821-836.

Turketi, N. Teaching English to Children with ADHD. Graduate Institute Digital Collections: TESOL collection, 2010.

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Teaching Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: INstructional Strategies and Practices. Washington, 2004.

Volpe, RJ, DuPaul, GJ, Jitendra AK, Tresco, KE. “Consultation-based academic interventions for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Effects on reading and mathematics outcomes at 1-year follow-up”. School Psychology Review. 2009; 38, 1, 5–13.

Willis, D & Willis, J. Doing Task-based Teaching. Madrid: Oxford University Press, 2007.

Willis, J. Language Teaching Research: a framework for Task-based learning. London: Longman, 1996.

Willis, J. Framework for Task-Based Learning. London: Longman, 2007.

Zelenka, V. “Universal Interventions for Students with ADHD and all Students”. Tandfonline , 2017, 37-40.