How ELL Students Learn | Origin: ED202
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Teaching English Language Learners --> How ELL Students Learn
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
This has taught me that patience and clarity is the best methods when teaching ELL students.
I learned that creating a safe and inviting classroom is important to ELL learners. By creating a safe space, it allows learners to make mistakes which in turn allows me to gain data and provide feedback to enhance instruction.
I learned that effective learning strategies for ELL students include scaffolding instruction, using visuals and hands-on activities, and providing frequent opportunities for language practice. I intend to apply this by differentiating lessons, modeling academic language, and creating supportive routines that help ELL students build confidence while developing both content knowledge and language skills.
I learned that ELL students learn best when instruction is intentional, supportive, and responsive to language development needs, including the use of visuals, modeling, and opportunities for meaningful interaction. I plan to apply this by providing clear scaffolds, encouraging student talk, and creating an inclusive classroom environment where language differences are respected and supported.
If anything, this module has assured me that the approach I'm trying with my ELL learners- humor, grace, and extra guidance- is the best course of action. It's hard enough to learn Photoshop in native English, let alone learning English and Photoshop at the same time.
Building a strong rapport with ELL students can make the difference between providing quality education and not.
A good reminder for me: "Because language is learned through trial and error, students must feel comfortable making mistakes. Creating a safe space in which students can experiment with language without feeling scrutinized is essential to their learning." I teach nursing and sometimes I struggle with some medical diagnoses, names of medications, etc.. For ELL students, being able to practice these words helps their self-esteem and acquisition of English-speaking skills... and if I laugh at myself for butchering a word, then I've added humor to the mix :)
Faculty should be supportive and provide a safe learning environment for ELL. In addition, it is important that they are aware of the institutions resources that are offered, so they can best assist the student in their learning journey.
ELL students succeed with caring instructors and supportive environment
ELL learners are more likely to succeed when they have a good support system e.g., small groups where they can speak English.
Cooperative learning yields greater results for ELL students.
ELL students need a supportive, safe environment to build confidence and develop both conversational and academic skills. So I should focus on creating that environment with cooperative activities, clear guidance, and strategies that connect lessons to their backgrounds.
I learned that creating a safe learning environment for students is crucial to encourage higher-level thinking.
I learned that providing guidance and holding the ELL student to high expectations can be an effective strategy.
'Instructors that use humor, encourage risk taking and create a friendly environment in the classroom are most helpful in easing students' anxiety and assisting learning.'
In this section of the class, I learned that it can take years before students are fully able to transfer a new language and be able to fully comprehend it. The teacher can help their ELL students be successful by embedding comprehension strategies into what they are learning, make sure that they are teaching vocabulary, allow students to work with their peers, and finally make sure to hold high expectations.
The learning environment is extremely important in a student's learning process. Students will learn better when a friendly, non-threatening environment is upheld.
Accomplishing effective communication of course objectives is the job of the instructor, and strategies should be employed to reach all students.
This made me think of a straight A student I had who quit school to return to their home country.
They were so gifted and due to the language barrier I became their lab partner.
I had another student from the Congo who was so smart but really struggling.
Again I became her lab partner because I could speak French.
I absolutely have to learn Spanish to help more students.
It is important to be patient with ELL learners.
