Skip to main content

Students Excel in SLCC’s First Dual-Language Course, Biology

Emmanuel and his class celebrate after finishing the semester.

The scientific method, cell structure, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, mitosis and meiosis, DNA structure. These are some of the complex topics taught in Professor Emmanuel Santa-Martinez’s biology classes; topics that are even tougher to grasp if you are an English learner.

“I saw that Latinx students in the intro to biology courses were struggling to succeed, so I wondered what the result would be if we removed the language barrier,” said Emmanuel, who launched SLCC’s first dual-language biology class in Fall Semester 2021.

More than 87% of the Latinx students passed with an A-, while in the previous all-English biology class, the Latinx students earned C-s. However, it wasn’t just the improved grades that Emmanuel noted. “In the classroom, there was a tremendous change in how students engage—students were more comfortable and conversational, and asked more questions.”

He explained that the dual-language approach is about providing accessibility and equality, so all students have the resources they need to succeed. In Emmanuel’s biology courses, he provides resources in both Spanish and English; this includes all assignments, research materials, quizzes and exams.

Emmanuel emphasized that his Latinx students want to learn the concepts in English, but if they are tired or confused, they can refer to Spanish. “These students do not want an all-Spanish speaking class because they know they need to know English well for their future careers.” He also emphasized that his biology classes are not designed to be Spanish classes for those who want to learn Spanish. “The goal of this course is to primarily support native Spanish speakers to learn biology successfully.”

Student Annery Hansen said a dual-language class helped her understand certain ideas and terms that she would otherwise have a hard time understanding. “It is especially hard to understand scientific terms in a different language, so this program of having dual-language classes has been such a benefit,” stated Annery. “I believe it [this class] has given me a lot of success in my schoolwork and eventually into my future career.”

Hansen’s sentiments were echoed in feedback provided by other students, such as Vanessa Alvarez, who added: “I finished this course with a lot of knowledge acquired. Having a bilingual class was one of the best experiences I have had in college.”

As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (eHSI), in which almost a fourth of SLCC’s student body identifies as Latinx, offering a dual-language biology class is another step in supporting this population.
Location: Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SLCC's Undergraduate Annual Research Conference Registration Deadline

Salt Lake Community College’s annual Undergraduate Projects, Performances, Presentations, and Research Conference (UP3RC) is set to take place on April 2, at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, offering students a chance to showcase their academic achievements, fostering a culture of intellectual exchange.  The UP3RC is an annual event designed to celebrate and highlight the academic accomplishments of undergraduate students. It provides a supportive environment for students to share their work, hone their presentations skills, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and faculty. All SLCC departments and programs, including faculty and staff, are encouraged to support and visit the day of the event. Students with their poster from last year's UPRC event “The goal of this event is to make sure every school and student is given the opportunity to participate,” says Dr. Kamal Bewar, interim director of the STEM Learning Center, who is chairin...
Post a Comment
Read more

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o...
Post a Comment
Read more

HB 261 and HB 257 Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students: The Utah Legislature recently passed two bills that significantly impact higher education:  HB 261  Equal Opportunity Initiatives and HB  257  Sex-Based Designations for Privacy, Anti-Bullying, and Women’s Opportunities. Salt Lake Community College is deeply committed to our students, faculty, and staff. We strive to be a place where all are welcomed and respected. While there are many unknowns about the ultimate effect these bills will have on some student and staff support programs, be assured that SLCC will maintain an environment where all can find success and feel a sense of belonging. In the coming months, college leadership will work to gain clarity and determine the changes necessary for legislative compliance. We will also share this information as it becomes available.  We realize that during this time, some in our college community may feel unsettled and stressed. We encourage you to make use of available SLCC resourc...
Post a Comment
Read more