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Hypothesis and Research Question Three
Students who utilize English communication opportunities will
make more progress in mastering English as measured by ethnographic
means than students who do not. Research question: Are there
measurable behavioral differences which can be observed in the school
environment that distinguish students who score higher on standardized
written and oral tests from students who score lower on the same
measures?
Language Ability and Participation in Physical Education
As I observed the students throughout the school day, I found the
Cubans frequently sitting on the sidelines watching. Their lack of
participation was most obvious in physical education. I interviewed
the coaches to learn their opinions of the students. All four coaches
were friendly and concerned. All agreed to rate student participation
in class.
One of the coaches said,
We really need some help with these Cuban kids. The
boys are all right. They are as coordinated and
capable as any other group. Some are very good,
some average, and some aren't very coordinated, just
as you'd expect any group to be. But these girls!
There are only a very few who try and they are
pretty good. But most are very uncoordinated. As
a group, they are very poor. They seldom dress out.
They don't try to participate.
A second coach adds,
If you stay here next period, you'll see even
more about what we mean. The girls sit around
and paint their fingernails, and talk in Spanish.
It doesn't matter what we say or do, they will
not participate. They just keep in their little
groups.