The Role of the Teacher in Facilitating Second Language Learning in the Elementary School

Abstract

Children can and do learn to speak a second language. However, there is a wide variation in the level of success attained. This topic has interested many teachers and researchers of second language and is not new to educators in Hawaii. Research aimed at accounting for the differences of proficiency in second languages reveal many variables, some more important than others. In view of the research findings and the parti­cular situation of immigrants in Hawaii, this author believes that any discussion of the immigrant child and second language acquisition from a socio-cultural perspective will be most beneficial.