The book is designed as a comprehensive introduction to bilingual education for instructors, researchers and students and a companion to "Foundations of Bilingual Educationa nd Bilingualism". It will fulfil the needs of teacher education and the preparation and professional development of bilingual teachers. Bilingual education at classroom, school and community levels are explored from a contemporary and international perspective.

The readings are divided into four sections:

Section 1: Varieties of Bilingual Education

Section 2: History, Policy and Politics of Bilingual Education

Section 3: Languages and Literacies in Bilingual Education

Section 4: Issues in Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Bilingual Education

Following each of the nineteen readings, there are questions and activities to create an interactive text for instructors and students. Such questions and activities will engage the reader in reflection, deepening understandings and critical appreciation of bilingual education policies, politics and practices.

About the Author

Dr Ofelia Garcia is professor at Teachers College, Columbia University where she is presently coordinator of the Bilingual/Bicultural Education Program in the Department of International and Transcultural Studies and co-director of the Center for Multiple Languages and Literacies. Her publications, in the areas of bilingual education and sociology of language, include Policy and Practice in Bilingual Education. Extending the Foundations, co-edited with Colin Baker.

Dr Colin Baker is Professor of Education at the University of Wales, Bangor. He is the author of 12 books and over 50 articles on bilingualism and bilingual education including 'Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism (Multilingual Matters, 4th edition, 2006). He is Editor of the International Journal of Bilingualism and Bilingual Education.

Reviews

"Bilingual Education: An Introductory Reader" is a welcome addition to the literature, not only for students and administrators, wishing to get an overall view of the field, but also for instructors looking for stimulating (well-founded) course material and for researchers in need of authoritative sources. Readers are offered a carefully designed guided tour through the intricacies of bilingual education, starting with a 'balanced, comprehensive and challenging set of articles' (p.viii). All of which can form the basis for further in-depth reading. These articles fulfil a number of functions, ranging from analysing and summarizing important topics, to challenging existing ideas and beliefs and providing fresh and original thinking. This volume offers a 'hands-on' approach to consideration of bilingual education, in its various forms around the world. Its special value lies not only in its interactive format, encouraging readers to investigate the issues themselves, but also in its willingness to tackle issues of linguistic and cultural human rights. Bilingual Education thus amply fulfils its 'Reader' function, promoting informed participatory debate on the relevant issues, and readers should find it an extremely useful resource-either as a starting point for research, a reference tool, or as a sound course material for professional development

-- Andrew Finch, Kyungpook National University (Korea) and University of Bristol * Baal News Spring 2009 *



Book Information
ISBN 9781853599071
Author Ofelia Garcia
Format Paperback
Page Count 312
Imprint Multilingual Matters
Publisher Channel View Publications Ltd
Weight(grams) 626g
Dimensions(mm) 246mm * 178mm * 17mm