Kat 4

Do you find it surprising that Kat, a heritage language learner, identifies more closely with the domestic learners? What types of relationships have you observed in your classroom between learners from different backgrounds?

I: do you notice in the classroom does the teacher have any ways that he distinguishes between heritage and domestic language learners

K: uh uh no he doesn’t

I: no

K: which I think it’s probably the best decision because I mean (.) we really we are all at the same level because all the heritage learners grew up saying different things and we’re learning in class for the most part so as far as that’s concerned I think it’s probably best that way

Reflections – Kat, Aladdin, and Nick all seem to agree that the heritage language learners do not have a significant advantage in language proficiency over the domestic learners. Do you find this to be the case in your classroom? Also, the students do not perceive a difference in the teacher’s instructional strategies based on the students’ backgrounds. Do you find that you adjust your strategies with respect to domestic or heritage learners? For example? Do you think your students are aware of these adaptations? If so, how do you think it makes them feel?

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