Strategies to use in the classroom for ELL students
Comprehensible Input:
The use of Comprehensible Input for all students in the classroom assists ELL students with the development of academic English rather than merely social. Many ESL online resources state that this can be done in a form of something known as visual scaffolding. It is support that includes images and words, both seen and heard. It reinforces the core ideas behind Comprehensible Input and can do great things for ESL students. An activity that could be used with this when discussing new vocabulary, describing survival skills, such as directions, expectations or rules and almost any other interaction with the student.
A great video to see the application of Comprehensible Input, working with language
acquisition and learning, but in a different light...CLICK HERE
The use of Comprehensible Input for all students in the classroom assists ELL students with the development of academic English rather than merely social. Many ESL online resources state that this can be done in a form of something known as visual scaffolding. It is support that includes images and words, both seen and heard. It reinforces the core ideas behind Comprehensible Input and can do great things for ESL students. An activity that could be used with this when discussing new vocabulary, describing survival skills, such as directions, expectations or rules and almost any other interaction with the student.
A great video to see the application of Comprehensible Input, working with language
acquisition and learning, but in a different light...CLICK HERE
John Hattie's Index of Teaching & Learning-
The link above provides the 39 effect sizes (the strength among two variables) in ascending order. John Hattie's research reinforces uncovering the secret of "what has the greatest influence on student learning?" By using his methods with the ELL Strategies Desk Cards when lesson planning each student would get individual attention to their strengths, weaknesses and needs, both academically and socially. The collaboration of the two strategies function through the LAS Links levels with specific teaching strategies and effect sizes that are external and internal variables to a student's learning. As a teacher, I would be able to properly adjust lessons, forms of assessment and check the effect size's validity through student performance observation. Using Hattie's research will also promote the students to think harder and have a differentiated set of instructions.
The link above provides the 39 effect sizes (the strength among two variables) in ascending order. John Hattie's research reinforces uncovering the secret of "what has the greatest influence on student learning?" By using his methods with the ELL Strategies Desk Cards when lesson planning each student would get individual attention to their strengths, weaknesses and needs, both academically and socially. The collaboration of the two strategies function through the LAS Links levels with specific teaching strategies and effect sizes that are external and internal variables to a student's learning. As a teacher, I would be able to properly adjust lessons, forms of assessment and check the effect size's validity through student performance observation. Using Hattie's research will also promote the students to think harder and have a differentiated set of instructions.
Teaching with Technology
Incorporating technology into the classroom is a big part of today's view on education. While this applies to all disciplines and ages, there is evidence that teaching with technology for ESL students gives many opportunities for the student to learn/begin learning key components of the English Language. Of course, Apps are considered to be the "norm" nowadays, but I think there are many alternative routes that students, parents and other educators will all enjoy! Some examples of this can be seen through the use of Pod-casts, Pen Pals, Web Quests, Online Games, blogs and many more! One website that I found to be fun, helpful and known as "The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL teachers and students from around the world" is a resource that could be used during downtime with computers, during stations time or for extra practice in or out of the classroom. The website Dave's ESL Cafe is something that could be used independently, in partners, for lesson planning, online communication and many other possibilities!
Incorporating technology into the classroom is a big part of today's view on education. While this applies to all disciplines and ages, there is evidence that teaching with technology for ESL students gives many opportunities for the student to learn/begin learning key components of the English Language. Of course, Apps are considered to be the "norm" nowadays, but I think there are many alternative routes that students, parents and other educators will all enjoy! Some examples of this can be seen through the use of Pod-casts, Pen Pals, Web Quests, Online Games, blogs and many more! One website that I found to be fun, helpful and known as "The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL teachers and students from around the world" is a resource that could be used during downtime with computers, during stations time or for extra practice in or out of the classroom. The website Dave's ESL Cafe is something that could be used independently, in partners, for lesson planning, online communication and many other possibilities!
The Writing Process and English Language Learners
Click the link above for more information, strategies and activties
The strategies used to help ESL students develop a strong sence of proficency in all content areas and begin the writing process must be on a student to student basis, dependent on their speaking, listening and reading skills. For these students in particular, the tool of "Pre-Writing" is very common. A process where the student can brainstorm, draws pictures, creates a word bank, discuss with students, create graphic organizers or collect outside research. Next, the student begins to partake in Drafting, Revision/Editing, Word Processing and Final Review. It is important to have a systematic approach in attempting to help an ESL student actively particpate in classroom activties. Another important area of focus when teaching ESL students is proficency. One rule that many educators overlook is the use of translation, which IS NOT effective. Being motivational, understanding that grammatical and vocabularly mistakes will occur can only increase a students level of comprehension and proficency of the English language. How well English Language Learners can write is directly related to their level of English language proficiency in writing. Using a table that determines the "Proficency Level, Description of Level and Strategies/Activties can help any teacher differentaite and create an overall more inclusive and effective learning enviorment for their classroom!
Click the link above for more information, strategies and activties
The strategies used to help ESL students develop a strong sence of proficency in all content areas and begin the writing process must be on a student to student basis, dependent on their speaking, listening and reading skills. For these students in particular, the tool of "Pre-Writing" is very common. A process where the student can brainstorm, draws pictures, creates a word bank, discuss with students, create graphic organizers or collect outside research. Next, the student begins to partake in Drafting, Revision/Editing, Word Processing and Final Review. It is important to have a systematic approach in attempting to help an ESL student actively particpate in classroom activties. Another important area of focus when teaching ESL students is proficency. One rule that many educators overlook is the use of translation, which IS NOT effective. Being motivational, understanding that grammatical and vocabularly mistakes will occur can only increase a students level of comprehension and proficency of the English language. How well English Language Learners can write is directly related to their level of English language proficiency in writing. Using a table that determines the "Proficency Level, Description of Level and Strategies/Activties can help any teacher differentaite and create an overall more inclusive and effective learning enviorment for their classroom!
The Five Golden Rules of Good Classroom Management (ESL)
Most importantly, earn the love and respect from your student
1. Be a fair and consistent mentor- As a teacher, one must be consistent and always apply the set expectations and rules that are established. Difficult at times, it is important to stand your ground and students understand that the roles of rewards and punishments.
2. Show that you care about your students- Regardless of the student, as a teacher one must always put themselves in the shoes of that person. That extra 3 minute conversation with your student on the way to lunch will always make a difference.
3. Get to know all of your students-Show interest in all of your students in the classroom. Particularly for ESL students, when doing different activities than other classmates, go around and ask them how they are/offer any assistance from you.
4. Encourage and praise positive behavior- The pressures of being an ELL is are immense no matter the age and that extra compliment or smile can really affect a student’s self-esteem and motivation. Simple things like any improvement on vocabulary development or moving onto a higher leveled reading book is something to be proud of, especially if a student is hearing a completely different language.
5. Have a teaching philosophy and be unique- Engaging students in a variety of learning strategies help promote students attention and participation. For example, using ESL games increases their awareness in auditory, visual, kin-aesthetic and tactile skills. Although very simple, using ESL games, stories or plays makes a memorable impression on your students and in respect to all learning styles.
Most importantly, earn the love and respect from your student
1. Be a fair and consistent mentor- As a teacher, one must be consistent and always apply the set expectations and rules that are established. Difficult at times, it is important to stand your ground and students understand that the roles of rewards and punishments.
2. Show that you care about your students- Regardless of the student, as a teacher one must always put themselves in the shoes of that person. That extra 3 minute conversation with your student on the way to lunch will always make a difference.
3. Get to know all of your students-Show interest in all of your students in the classroom. Particularly for ESL students, when doing different activities than other classmates, go around and ask them how they are/offer any assistance from you.
4. Encourage and praise positive behavior- The pressures of being an ELL is are immense no matter the age and that extra compliment or smile can really affect a student’s self-esteem and motivation. Simple things like any improvement on vocabulary development or moving onto a higher leveled reading book is something to be proud of, especially if a student is hearing a completely different language.
5. Have a teaching philosophy and be unique- Engaging students in a variety of learning strategies help promote students attention and participation. For example, using ESL games increases their awareness in auditory, visual, kin-aesthetic and tactile skills. Although very simple, using ESL games, stories or plays makes a memorable impression on your students and in respect to all learning styles.