A multi-element analysis of language facilitation games with educationally deprived Mexican migrant workers

Abstract

A behavior analysis was conducted to identify simple ways to promote language use among non‐English‐speaking migrant workers during relatively unstructured periods of an Adult Basic Education class. The context for the analysis was a language facilitation game which involved a modified version of “Go Fish” requiring the migrants to match English words printed on cards. This game and two variations involving a simple alteration of the stimulus on the cards and changes in the game's rules were examined. A multi‐element analysis revealed that more English and less Spanish was spoken as a function of the complexity of both the antecedent and consequent stimuli involved in the games.

Latinos and latinas in community psychology: A review of the literature

“…Social support and coping strategies appeared as topics in several articles (e.g, Okun, Sandier, & Baumann, 1988;Warheit, Vega, Shimizu, & Meinhardt, 1982), as did other factors related to psychological well-being (e.g, Bravo et al, 1990;Hernandez-Holtzman & Gilbert, 1987), educational concerns (e.g., Preciado, Greene, & Montesinos, 1984;Thomas, Chinsky, & Aronson, 1973), and race and gender (e.g., Amaro, 1988;Bernat & Balch, 1979). More specifically, according to Okun, Sandier, and Baumann (1988), support from faculty may foster adaptation to college and make a difference in attrition rates of Mexican American students in community colleges.…”

“…More representative of community psychology's values were those articles that called attention to the importance of identifying resources and allowing Latinos and Latinas to assume a more active role in every sphere of their lives (e.g, Comas-Diaz, 1988;Hoffman, 1978;Keefe & Casas, 1980;Preciado, Greene, & Montesinos, 1984). For instance, Hoffman (1978) considered how participation in self-help or social change organizations could reduce feelings of powerlessness among Mexican Americans.…”

“…For instance, Hoffman (1978) considered how participation in self-help or social change organizations could reduce feelings of powerlessness among Mexican Americans. Becoming more proficient in English, according to Preciado, Greene, and Montesinos (1984), is a necessary element for migrant workers to assume greater control over their lives within the U.S. context. Finally, Keefe and Casas' (1980) article on Mexican Americans and mental health services presents a critical review of the mental health delivery system.…”