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Calgary elementary schools are experiencing a growth in students with English-as-a
second-language. The challenges this brings to the classroom is something Lina Dilov
can understand and wants to do something about. Dilov, a second-year Master of
Teaching student, moved to Canada from Bulgaria. With five languages under her belt,
she knows what it is like to be an ESL student herself, but also how to bridge the
worlds these children live within.
“These kids are speaking English at school and their native tongue at home with family,”
says Dilov. “That dual life extends into the classroom in other ways. I’ve seen kids not fully
participate in their studies or throw away their lunches because they are embarrassed
about their heritage and their struggle with both English and our local culture.”
To bridge these worlds, Dilov is participating in a pilot project of a dual language learning
system in Calgary that uses books with two languages to introduce a second language
and culture to students. “When children hear their mother tongue in the classroom, their
eyes light up and they become engaged,” says Dilov. “Kids are really proud when their
parents are invited in to do the readings because these same parents are often hesitant
or otherwise unable to participate in their school experience.”
The dual language book project is a unique opportunity to build research in action that
will build a deeper understanding to the benefits of this teaching method. “Being able
to do research in a classroom is dynamic – the students and I are learning at the same
time,” says Dilov. “Although it’s really great to learn at the university, it’s one thing
reading about an idea, but it’s completely different than living it. In the classroom, you
see the real thing. You see different nuances of one idea.”
Dilov believes her research is important because the number of ESL students will
continue to increase in the Calgary school system. Studies have shown their lack of
English language proficiency can affect their ability to graduate high school, and cause
other long term issues. “I want to help all the students celebrate culture through
language,” says Dilov. ”This program encourages kids to have pride in their language
and culture and normalize their heritage with peers. It helps all children connect and
learn about other cultures because it includes discussions about culture, religion,
holidays and other aspects of their heritage.”
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