Planned instruction in ESL includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing at different levels of proficiency. Standards must be addressed and objectives must be developed for ESL classes at all levels. Therefore, ESL replaces language arts/English instruction.
In order to achieve academic standards, students must be scheduled in content area classes with the understanding that they may not be able to comprehend all the instruction. Classroom teachers must adapt courses of study to meet student needs.
1. Classroom Strategies-
a. Use graphic organizers (Venn diagrams & K-W-L charts).
b. Use cooperative learning techniques.
c. Make your subject comprehensible
-Try not to use idioms
-Use direct questions not vague instructions
-Use predictable questions that lead to greater involvement with content
and higher-level thinking
-Use nouns repetitively instead of pronouns and synonyms
d. Hand out two well-spaced-out worksheets instead of one page cluttered with words.
e. Provide feedback about student work.
f. Increase wait time.
g. Follow established routines.
h. Provide a model of what you expect them to do.
I. Use visuals and manipulatives.
j. Adjust the language demands of the lesson. Modify the speech rate and use context clues.
k. Seat ESL students with native-speakers who are sympathetic and encouraging.
l. When it comes to assessment students should be given credit demonstrating their understanding of a topic even if their ability to express their understanding is limited.
2. Homework Policy-
a. Design homework assignments that clearly state the purpose and outcomes. It is important to adapt homework to the stages of language acquisition. |