Taking this course has helped me in so many ways.
By reading the chapters, looking over the power points, and also viewing the videos
I was able to grasp a lot of new information that will be helpful for me as a
future educator. The United States is a very diverse country meaning there are
people from all over the world coming into the education system only knowing
their home language. When it comes to teaching English Language Learners,
Wright (2015) mentions that “all teachers must have an understanding of
theories and research related to how students develop proficiency in a new
language” (p. 48). We must provide all the support ELLs can obtain so that they
can successfully become proficient in English. Teaching a second language is
certainly something that is not easy. It definitely takes time and patience.
Learning that our country has increasingly become
more diverse made it interesting to learn about the need to have language
programs that are suitable for ELL learners who are at different proficiency
levels. When it comes to ELLs there are many factors one must take into consideration.
Those factors may include: (1) language and literacies used at home; (2) ELP level;
(3) educational history in the home country and in the United States; (4) length
of time in the United States; (5)reason for immigration; (6) number of
siblings; and (7) parents’ educational history, employment, and proficiency in
English and other languages (Wright, 2015, p. 23). Finding out this information
can help educators become more familiar with the students’ proficiency level.
I also learned about different theories and program
models for English language learners. The programs that I most agree with are
the dual language program and sheltered English immersion program. The dual
language program relies on teaching students content in both their native
language and second language (Wright, 2015). I believe this program is great
because it can help students ease into their second language with less stress and
they are also able to learn their second language without losing essence of
their first language. Sheltered English immersion can be useful to practice in
schools that do not have much income and cannot afford to hire ESL teachers. This
way regular teachers can serve as ESL teachers. Teachers can accommodate to
students’ language needs and understand that students can move on to the next
level only when they have mastered the language through each part of the learning
process.
Overall,
I found the assignments we had to complete in this course to be beneficial in
order to further understand what we were learning from the text so that we were
able to make connections. I liked the fact that we got to interview individuals
who learned a second language and get an insight into their experiences with
how their teachers helped them learn the new language. I was also able to get
an insight to what teachers in the field had to say about the programs
available for English language learners at their school and what strategies
they found most helpful. I enjoyed learning in a different way by making video
blogs even though they were time consuming. I find that doing blogs are
actually great for online classes so that we can interact with our peers
through written communication and also be able to state our opinions and points
of view on certain topics.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition
Hello Melissa! I agree that the United States is an incredibly diverse country and that affects our classrooms every day. As teachers we need to be aware of the diversity around us and be able to apply that diversity to our classrooms. Wright says that educators who work with ELLs must be aware of the linguistic diversity in their schools and surrounding communities (Wright, 2015, p. 16). Being aware of that linguistic diversity also allows us to create better lessons that are suited to help the linguistic needs of our students. Better lessons will be able to help them more and provide them whatever accommodations they may need.
ReplyDeleteWright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition
Hi Zoe,
DeleteI have seen this wide variety of diversity in my field placement, and I love it! I learned how important it is to be culturally respectful of your students, you never want to offend anyone from another country! All of our students come from different backgrounds and how we view those students can be seen by all of your students. Wright states, “ the ways educators choose to view their ELLs affect the ways they organize teaching and learning in their classes and the ways administrators structure programs in their schools and districts” (2015, pg. 2).
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Calson, 2015. Print. Second Edition
Howdy Zoe,
DeleteI agree that the United States growing in its diversity allows our schools and classrooms to take after that same diversity. The more aware we are of the changes in this growing country, the better the lessons and classroom environment we can create that celebrates diversity and differences. When we effectively accommodate to our individual students' needs, we best facilitate and support their English language learning. Good luck in teaching! :)
Hello,
DeleteThank You for commenting on my post. I think the three of you brought up some really good points. Being aware of diversity does help us create better lessons to meet the students' needs. In my future classroom, I want to create a positive and safe environment for all of my students. I want them to feel comfortable and know that I am there to help them succeed to the best of my ability.
Hello Melissa!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the United States at this moment is becoming very diverse. Classrooms are becoming filled with ELL students that need appropriate knowledge teachers that understand how to teach them. According to Wright "381 different languages are spoken in homes in the U.S, as well as, different types and proficiency levels of ELLs” (Wright, 2015, p.8). As future teachers this class helped us understand that we need to look into the students home based data in order to move forward.
Wright, Wayne (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, Second Edition.
Hi Linda,
DeleteThank You for commenting on my reflection!
Wow! That is a lot of languages, that is crazy. I agree with your comment. Getting to know our students is definitely a must. Learning more about their background information helps us prepare better in finding different ways that we can accommodate ELLs. Knowing their English proficiency level allows us to also adjust instruction to meet the students’ needs.
Hi Melissa! I also believe that the dual language program is one I most agree with because it seems like one of the most beneficial programs for the students. The students are developing “bilingualism and biliteracy, academic achievement in two languages, and cross-cultural understanding” (Wright, 2015, p.100). One thing I have learned in this class is that it is very important to maintain a child’s home language and culture. They should not be forced to leave their language and culture behind just because they moved to a new country. Their home language and culture should be learned about and celebrated in the classroom, not erased away. I believe the dual language program does this by continuing their education in their home language while also learning a new language and culture.
ReplyDeleteWright, Wayne. (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research,
Theory, Policy, and Practice (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Caslon.
Hi Lauren,
DeleteThank You for commenting on my reflection! I agree with what you mentioned. Their home language and culture should be learned about and celebrated in the classroom. This will also help other students learn more about different languages, cultures, and their customs. Learning about their culture will help ELL students feel more comfortable creating a safe environment for that student.