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.
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.
If we take into consideration, that some of our students are as out of place in our country as a blender in the bathroom, well it's about making them feel accepted. The more comfortable they are the more they will achieve. If we only teach in English and they can't understand a word, we are failing them by not helping them to learn the language.
Learn how to plan lessons that support English learners' language development, build background knowledge, and give students opportunities to access grade-level content.
Help student to celebrate diversity. Encourage students to take risk to lean new english words
Just because an ELL student can communicate with friends it does not mean that they fully understand classroom communication.The most successful ELL students have instructors who provide a great deal of guidance
I like the suggestions of a strong support system which would include some type of tutoring, I also believe that it has to do with vocabulary the more words they know the better they can speak. I also like the suggestions of bringing humor into the class and making the ELL students feel as comfortable as possible.
However lets not forget that the American school system is lacking in many facets compared to Europe. As an example, for a regular German student they take German for years, English is not considered to be a foreigen language so they take English for at least 6 years. Then, to graduate from something similar to highschool they have to have an additional 3 years of a foreign language. I am confident that this is similar in the eastern regions as well.
A strong support system and effective instructor guidance makes the learning process easier (although it does that years to master)
Faculty can help students increase their comfort level in the classroom by using humor and engaging students. When ELL students are more comfortable in a classroom, they have more skill in using English.
I have worked with a diversity of ESL learners over the years. I offer additional interaction to help facilitate their learning and help them feel comfortable. I have found some would indicate they are having problems with English when they are actually good. My favorite phrase is "you speak better than me" therefore we will not use that as an excuse. There are some who can not assimilate to be successful in the classroom. At any rate, I work with all, offer encouragement and most have been successful with this approach.
We have to be mindful is communication a cultural deficit or a communication challenge?
Building a safe environment for the ELL student will help them feel more relaxed while they are learning. Having a good support structure has helped ELL students succeed as well.
There is a lot of pressure on ELL students, particularly in a large group setting.
THE SETTING SHOULD BE WELCOMING AND HAVE A CONSISTENT FLOW SO STUDENTS DO NOT FEEL BOXED IN. THERE SHOULD BE AN OPTION OF VARIOUS ACTIVITIES TO FULFILL ALL NEEDS.
