Starting research is a lot more complicated than I thought. When you begin thinking about what to research about, there are endless ideas and topics that come to mind. Narrowing it down to something that I am currently living and have personal experience with, I chose second language acquisition as my general topic. Through this topic I would like to focus on ways to keep the heritage or “home” language strong. I have learned a second language and I am completely fluent in both English and Spanish. I am currently teaching at a school where all the children are learning English as a second language and from third grade on, they are also learning French. I think this research will help me with parents’ biggest fears of their children losing their home language while learning a second language.
This “mock” research project has me a little scared. I think what has me the most scared is beginning to do research and getting information and then realizing that it is wrong in some way and then having to start all over again. Like with anything new that you do, you won’t know until you try. It has been pretty smooth up to now and I hope it stays that way.
Through activities we have been doing to prepare for this research, I think the hardest part has been to be able to read other research projects and fully understand what they mean the first time. I have had to read and reread several parts of these research papers to fully understand what they are discussing. Hopefully, like everything else, this will get easier with time and practice.
I plan on using the Walden Library databases as well as other websites that target diversity and second language acquisition. If any of you have ideas or recommendations of articles or websites, I am open for any advice. Also, if of you might be a SLL as well and would like to share your experiences and strategies with me, I would greatly appreciate it!
THANKS 🙂 Good Luck to All!!!!
Teaching Cafeteritos 
Hi
This is a learning process for many of us. I too had to read and reread articles, but the research process wil get better and we will be more equip to support our families.
We definitely are having the same thoughts. One of my biggest fears include having to start over after assuming I’ve done everything right. I am a little on edge about this research report because it’s been years since I’ve done one and even then I didn’t think I did my best. You have a wonderful research topic. I think if I was to read your report when you’re done, I will learn so much about it. I think learning a second language is important while also showing respect to family’s home languages. Good luck on your research!