TPCK
Chapter 5
An Integrated framework for educating
world language teachers
Kim Fuller
4/4/09

Second language learning has been a topic of discussion at the elementary level since the adoption of the first Maine Learning Results. Only a few districts offer second language classes at the elementary level and slightly more at the middle school level.
It has been a debate as to how necessary second language learning is for our youngest students. I have always felt it would be a positive step. Just as mentioned in the arts chapter, learning a second language is a cognitive process and can only stimulate our young students’ brains. I strongly believe that our world is becoming more connected through technology and having a second language will only give our children more opportunities. My niece and nephew are being raised in Japan and are bilingual in English and Japanese. They can speak, read and write in both languages and are 11 and 9 years old. But the culture desires that their children to learn more than one language so there are strong programs in place starting at grade K. Japan is also a very technological society so technological integration is happening during instruction. Our society seems to be slower in seeing the importance. Particularly with English as our official language even though we have so many people in our country who speak other languages. Bilingual education is looked down upon which I feel is a huge mistake. So I feel our political leaders have placed a hindrance upon our society in regards to embracing second language learning in our schools.

Most second language teachers have the knowledge and pedagogy to instruct their students according to their needs. It’s just a matter of learning about how technology can enhance their instruction as in all the content areas we have been reading about. I find the Internet options for communication almost endless. Email, chat rooms, Skype, virtual tours of countries, cultural sites, etc. can all provide students with exciting ways to learn a second language. Technology can also provide students with learning opportunities at their particular level. It can also provide students with an audience and a purpose.