Six key strategies for Teachers of English Language Learners.
Like any other language that does not come natively to a student, particular needs should be addressed in their English language learning. This brings about the six strategies used by teachers in classrooms to benefit the English learning students.
Vocabulary and language development.
Teachers introduce vocabulary words relating to a particular concept. These words aid in building the student’s background knowledge. The teacher discusses the meaning of the terms by using synonyms and respectfully distinguish the use of primary language and standard academic language.
Guided interaction.
The teacher then introduces a series of questions on the concept of discussion and encourages interaction among the students. This fosters the use of academic language through speaking, reading, writing, and listening to their fellow peers. The teacher should give opportunities to the students to discuss among themselves to improve listening and speaking skills.
Metacognition and Authentic Assessment.
The teacher clearly explains the metacognitive skills crucial in learning the concept. Metacognition allows the students to be aware of their thoughts, which improves articulation on what they are learning. Such skills include pre-reading and pre-writing with word analysis. An authentic assessment involves developing exercises and activities to gauge the students’ understanding of the language. The teacher should provide journal entries and provide enough time to complete the assessments.
Explicit instruction.
This is the direct explanation of concepts needed to complete classroom tasks, like teaching explicitly, cognitive skills useful in the idea of discussion. For example, interpreting, classifying, comparing, among others. This will help include the students’ ideas and improve their understanding of the language. The teacher should explain the prerequisite language applications and check for understanding.
Meaning-based contexts and universal themes.
The teacher uses abstract or real objects and themes in the students’ livelihood as a direct comparison to academic learning. This increases the interest of the students, which in turn increases their understanding of the concept they are learning. This can be done by linking the use of English language in school based tasks with cultural based tasks and comparing to promote metacognition.
Modelling, graphic organizers and visuals.
This involves the use of visuals such as charts and diagrams and models and even videos relating to the English language. Visuals are a practical and effective way to boost the memory and improve the understanding of a student of the English language. They create a lasting impression and makes the language more accessible to students. The teacher should include the use of word banks and word walls apart from the ones mentioned above. The above six strategies not only aid in making the work easier for the teacher but also increases the students’ understanding of the English language.
References.
Barrett-Dragan, P. (2005). A how-to guide for teaching English language learners in the primary classroom. Heinemann.