Definition: |
Students who are English Language Learners are students who are not entirely proficient in the English Language yet. Students who are English Language Learners are diverse and many know more than one language. English may be their third or even, fourth language. Students who are English Language Learners vary widely in socioeconomic status, nationality, generation (in the U.S.), and immigration/citizenry status. It is common for students who are English Language Learners to speak their native language(s) at home and English at school.
(Bryant, Bryant, & Smith, 2016) |
(Noack & Gamio, n.d.)
(Broad Run, 2015)
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Signs:Students who are English Language Learners are usually recognized when they enroll in school; however, many students who are English Language Learners are not "new" students and teachers and other professionals may struggle to identify the needs of these students. Because of cultural bias, students who are English Language Learners are sometimes misdiagnosed with learning disabilities. Some do have language impairments, but biased cultural judgments often lead to the unfair marginalization of students who are English Language Learners.
(National Council of Teachers, n.d.) |
Accommodations:
Students who are English Language Learners often find themselves walking a line between their native culture(s) and language(s) and Western culture and the English language. Students who are English Language Learners require highly responsive teachers. These teachers must strive to learn key words and phrases in students' native language(s), especially in cases where students have little proficiency in English. Teachers should differentiate curriculum by allowing for multiple (cultural) interpretations of the material. Students who are English Language Learners need teachers who can adjust instruction and assignments to meet their level of mastery in English. Teachers can clarify instructions orally, but also provide written instructions. Students should not be expected to abandon their native culture(s) and language(s) and teachers should capitalize on students' prior experiences. It is important teachers find translators when necessary and they communicate with parents/guardians in their native tongue. Supporting students who are Enlgish Language Learners also benefits the larger student population by demonstrating inclusiveness and multiculturalistic philosophies.
(English Language Learners, n.d.)(National Council of Teachers of English, n.d.)
(English Language Learners, n.d.)(National Council of Teachers of English, n.d.)
References:
Broad Run. (2015). The world languages and cultures department [online image]. Retrieved December 14, 2016 from http://www.loudoun.k12.va.us/domain/739
Bryant, D.P., Bryant, B.R., Smith, D.D. (2016). Teaching students with special needs in the classroom. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE.
English Language Learners: Instructional strategies across all education levels. (n.d.) Retrieved Fall 2016 from Dr. Kruse in Exceptional Learners, Simpson College.
National Council of Teachers of English (n.d.) English Language Learners: A policy research brief produced by the National Council of Teachers of English. Retrieved from http://www.ncte.org/
Noack, R. & Gamio, L. (n.d.). The world's languages [online image]. Retrieved December 14, 2016 from https://www.flexword.de/ar/blog-arabic-menu/684-weird-translations.html
Broad Run. (2015). The world languages and cultures department [online image]. Retrieved December 14, 2016 from http://www.loudoun.k12.va.us/domain/739
Bryant, D.P., Bryant, B.R., Smith, D.D. (2016). Teaching students with special needs in the classroom. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE.
English Language Learners: Instructional strategies across all education levels. (n.d.) Retrieved Fall 2016 from Dr. Kruse in Exceptional Learners, Simpson College.
National Council of Teachers of English (n.d.) English Language Learners: A policy research brief produced by the National Council of Teachers of English. Retrieved from http://www.ncte.org/
Noack, R. & Gamio, L. (n.d.). The world's languages [online image]. Retrieved December 14, 2016 from https://www.flexword.de/ar/blog-arabic-menu/684-weird-translations.html