Is Anyone Listening? -- Experiences of Junior-Level English Language Learners in Southwestern Ontario

With an increasing number of English Language Learners (ELLs) entering the Ontario school system, the Ontario Ministry of Education has responded through the development of multiple documents containing policies and procedures to accommodate these students. However, research relating to the perspectives of the elementary ELLs who are receiving these accommodations has been sparse. This qualitative-based transcendental phenomenological research study sheds light on the perspectives of nine junior-level (Grades 4-6) ELLs enrolled in both a mainstream classroom and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program for at least one year at three respective public schools. With having captured the essence of learning EAL in Southwestern Ontario first hand, this research both informs and assists educators in understanding how academic and psychosocial experiences of ELLs could be contributing factors in the delay of academic proficiency in core subject areas and/or in acquiring the requisite level of English language competency.