Discourse Practices in the New Standards: The Role of Argumentation in Common Core-Era Next Generation Science Standards Classrooms for English Language Learners

Abstract

In this paper, I argue that the practice of argumentation will have implications for students not only in science learning, but also, potential transfer in other disciplines. More importantly, the shift toward a shared discursive language practice of argumentation provides an opportunity for both content-area and language development teachers to build on each other's pedagogical knowledge around argumentation, design tasks that support both content and language development, and create a more coherent learning experience for students. For English language learners, this convergence in the discourse practice of argumentation from evidence is particularly salient because content area teachers will be expected to create a more communicative classroom that supports both content and language development.