Work in progress: Supporting Latino and English Language Learners' written communication skills: A research-based pedagogical intervention

• Published in: 2012 Frontiers in Education Conference Proceedings pp. 1 - 3
• Main Authors: Esquinca, A., Villa, E. Q., Gandara, G.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01-10-2012
• Subjects: Communities; Educational institutions; effective writing; Electronic mail; English Language Learners (ELLs); Interviews; Latinos in engineering; project-based learning; Reflection; Writing
• ISBN: 146731353X; 9781467313537
• ISSN: 0190-5848; 2377-634X
• DOI: 10.1109/FIE.2012.6462482

This paper reports preliminary findings from a qualitative study of a research-based pedagogical intervention in a freshman-level course for engineering majors. In this intervention, engineering instructors collaborated with an applied linguist in education to design activities to improve writing skills, an important professional skill in engineering. Development of effective writing skills is challenging for students, and particularly for Latinos and English Language Learners (ELLs). This challenge can be effectively addressed with meaningful writing tasks and appropriate pedagogy. Preliminary findings show improved communication and interpersonal skills among students.