No nos pueden tratar como se les dé la gana
” Engaging Spanish heritage language learners through human rights education
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8939320 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Michele Back (0000-0003-0853-5141, Department of Curriculum and Instruction University of Connecticut Mansfield Connecticut USA, corresponding author), Amber Dickey (East Hartford High School Connecticut East Hartford USA) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 58 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 776-798 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-17 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Foreign Language Annals (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0015-718X • E-ISSN: 1944-9720 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/flan.70008 |
| OpenAlex | W4413085945 |
| Language | ES |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 29 |
In this study, we investigate how human rights education (HRE) can enrich Spanish heritage language learning (SHLL) in U.S. secondary classrooms. Using a mixed‐methods action research design, we examined a 9‐week unit on migrant labor rights taught in two Heritage Spanish 3 classes. Data sources included classroom observations, surveys, and a focal lesson analysis. While quantitative findings showed limited shifts in engagement, empathy, and advocacy, qualitative evidence revealed that human rights themes encouraged students to critically reflect on labor laws, connect curricular content to their lived experiences, and express growing awareness of their own rights. Classroom discussions demonstrated emerging critical thinking, with students demanding evidence during peer debates and drawing parallels between educational equity and societal well‐being. Students also articulated a newfound sense of civic responsibility, particularly in advocating for Spanish‐speaking communities. These results underscore the potential of HRE‐infused SHLL curricula to foster deeper engagement, empathy, critical consciousness, and advocacy. We argue for expanding such pedagogical models across diverse educational contexts and call for longitudinal studies to assess sustained impacts
Critical consciousness · Curriculum · Empathy · Human rights · Human Rights Education · Parallels · Pedagogy · Political science · Sociology · Educator Training and Historical Pedagogy · Global Education and Multiculturalism · Law · Peace and Human Rights Education · Psychology · Social Psychology
Development and validation of the Basic Empathy Scale
Critical language awareness in the heritage language classroom
Action Research
Expanding Language and Cultural Competence in Advanced Heritage- and Foreign-Language Learners through Community Engagement and Work with the Arts
Teaching during Covid-19
Student Voices
Tu lucha es mi lucha”
Beyond Teaching Languages for Communication-Humanistic Perspectives and Practices
The Study of Heritage Language Development From a Bilingualism and Social Justice Perspective
Critical Approaches to Spanish Language Teacher Education
What's Next
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |