Foundations and Assessment of Education/Edition 1/Foundations Table of Contents/Chapter 4/4.3.2

'How Should We Teach English Language Learners? By: April Barrientos

Learning Targets:

1. Reader should be able to know what is being done in favor of English Language Learners.
2. Reader should be able to know how to Accommodate ELLs Effectively.
3. Reader should be able to know Tips for Teaching Beginner English Language Learners.

Introduction

Learning how to do something new can be a challenge for anyone. Learning how to speak and become familiar with another language other than the one you are accustomed to may be an even harder obstacle to overcome. This challenge is not only difficult for students, but also for their instructors. However, by understanding each student, their abilities, strengths and weaknesses, having patience, an open mind, and not fearing from trying new things, the outcome can be very rewarding and exciting. This sort of task takes a certain kind of understanding and willingness to listen to students and their difficulties, and make themselves available for extra time outside of class. With that in mind there are several techniques, strategies, and approaches to help not only English Language Learners (ELLs), but also their instructors.

What has Been Done?

The Bilingual Education Act of 1968 is the first piece of federal legislation to address the issue of those who are limited in their proficiency of speaking English. At first, this act does not specifically state that English must be taught in the student's native tongue, but rather find different ways and tactics to ensure success. It also was directed towards individuals who come from low income families. This Act has undergone numerous amounts of revisions. However, one thing remains the same. Current legislation reflects the belief that school districts need to provide a variety of alternatives to enable their LEP students to reach proficiency in English and to be academically successful in mainstream classes. As the country has become more diverse, and immigration more popular the educational system has had to adapt to the changes in students in the classroom (The Bilingual Education Act: Twenty Years Later).

How to Accommodate ELLs Effectively

A study shows that by the year 2010 about thirty percent of all school age children will come from homes whose primary language is not English (English Language Learners). With that in mind, teachers must become more flexible and trained to teach a diverse group of students. Teachers must understand that not only is it tough for their students to adjust to a new culture and language, they must also deal with pressures and obstacles from their daily lives. A few crises their students may face are:

• a loss of identity, friends, and culture
• an inability to express ideas or communicate in the community at large
• high familial expectations for academic success
• unfamiliar learning environments and teaching styles (Helping English language Learners in the Classroom)

Teachers must also take into consideration the different backgrounds and circumstances that each student possesses when teaching. An individuals age, native language, literacy of parents, and reason for immigrating will also impact the technique that will be most efficient. Age is an important factor to think about because when students are younger it is easier for them to learn and obtain knowledge. In contrast the older a student is, the harder it will be for them to learn a new language. One way to aid in the transition and learning process is by possibly using a combination of learning English in their native language. The literacy of a students parents may be a vital part of the students success. If their parents are already familiar and proficient with the language both written and spoken, it will be easier for the student to understand and learn. Finally, and quite possibly the most important factor to take into consideration is the reason for the student and the students family immigrating. Psychological factors may cloud the learners ability to want to learn, because they may feel distracted and uneasy. Factors such as war, political or religious persecution, and escaping from violence may have a large impact on an individuals willingness to learn. (Helping English Language Learners in the Classroom)

Tips for Teaching Beginner English Language Learners

Learning a new language is very difficult. As with learning anything new, practice makes perfect. Even Thomas Edison once said about his many attempts to create the light bulb, I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways not to make a light bulb. As with teaching ELLs, there is not only one correct way to do so. Every student is different and so is the way that they are able to be taught. Each student should be treated as an individual and feel comfortable in their learning environment. Mistakes should be accepted and encouraged because that shows that there are areas that can be improved upon. There are many tactics and tips that English Language Teachers can use and should keep in mind when teaching so that they may maximize the benefits that their students will obtain.

Methods:

1. Smile!
2. Speak slowly and distinctly.
3. Use hand signals and body language.
4. Repetition is not boring. Repetition is not boring.
5. Model a task or a dialogue more than once before students try it.
6. If something doesnt work, DROP it and move on.
7. Be warm and welcoming.
8. Present material using different approaches: oral, written, hands-on activities or games.
9. Use many examples. Use props.
10. Be aware of your pacing; check for understanding. Do your students need more explanation? More time to practice?
11. Repeat & review. Several short sessions are more effective than one long one.
12. In each lesson, give students an opportunity
    1. to listen
    2. to speak
    3. to read
    4. to write
    5. to ask questions
13. Monitor your language; limit the use of slang and idioms. Take time to explain.
14. Be objective about controversial issues. It is fine to let students know your opinions, but strive to present a balance of information. We want students to be able to determine their own views.

(Teaching ESL FAQ)

Final Thoughts

As with learning any language for the first time, everyone knows that it does not come easy. Teachers and schools must be supportive, open, and positive when teaching individuals that are not accustomed to a particular culture and language practices. I believe that by teaching English to others, we can promote a more positive outlook on our culture because different individuals may be able to see where we are coming from and understand our way of life better. When teaching English Language Learners, teachers must keep in mind that there is not only approach that works for all students. When teaching a language more hands on and interactive activities must be exhausted, because language is an applied subject.

Questions

1.)What Act is the first piece of legislation to address those that have limited English speaking proficiency?
a.)Educational Act of 1965
b.)Bilingual Education Act of 1968
c.)Non English Speaking Act of 1988
d.)English as a Second Language Act of 2008

2.)Which of these is a good tip when teaching beginner English language learners?
a.)Smile
b.)Be warm and welcoming
c.)Speak slowly and distinctly
d.)All of the above

3.)Caroline is a very bright student who has moved with her family from Sweden. Although she is very smart she becomes very frustrated at times, sometimes having crying outbursts and tends to act stubborn and distracted from learning. What is the most likely reason for Carolines behavior in the classroom?
a.)An inability to express ideas or communicate in the community at large
b.)She is sick
c.)A loss of identity, friends, and culture
d.)Both A and C

4.)You are teaching a young adult class with students roughly between the ages of 13- 17. Considering their age how would you go about teaching them.
a.)Teach them by using English only
b.)Use props and hands on activities
c.)Use a combination of both English and their Native Language to allow for a more smooth transition
d.)Make them read a book

Answers

1.B
2.D
3.D
4.C

References

1.)Pellino, Karen. Effective Strategies For Teaching English Language Learners. Teachnology, 2007. http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/teaching/esl/print.htm

2.)Adult Education Tutor Support. Teaching ESL FAQ. Hopelink, 2008.http://www.eastsideliteracy.org/tutorsupport/ESL/ESLTips.htm

3.)Stewner-Manzanares, Gloria. The Bilingual Education Act: Twenty Years Later. NCBE, 1988.http://www.ncela.gwu.edu/pubs/classics/focus/06bea.htm

4.)Christy, Janice. "Helping English Language Learners in the Classroom". Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2005. <http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/subject/help_ELL.phtml

5.)Bank Street. English Language Learners: Working with Children for Whom English is a new Language. http://www.bnkst.edu/literacyguide/ell.html).

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