Hello, welcome to my last
VBlog!
Before
this course I had a concept about English Language Learners students. I have
learned that we are starting to stay away from certain terms such as first language
we should say home language, such as English is the students additional language
rather than saying second language (Wright, 2015). I was aware of small things that
took in place to teach ELL students a new language. But I never imagined that
each little detailed makes a difference to the students. Throughout the course I
was able to learn more in depth of how an ELL student may learn and grasp the instruction
in a different environment. I have learned that in some schools students are
placed in mainstream classes when the school does not have a certain amount of
ELL students to make an ESL classroom. It is crazy how students are thrown into
mainstream classroom letting the students to sink (Wright, 2015) .
Being
able to learn how to implement strategies to help my future students is a great
tool for me. By learning strategies and how I could implement them in the classroom
is beneficial for the teacher and the students because we would be learning
together. I thought that majority of the ELLs home language was mainly Spanish.
I was able to learn how learning another language can become a challenge for
some. Letting the students use trans language will help the teacher and student
know what they are trying to say as the students is trying to understand the
new language (Wright, 2015). After learning about how ELL students learn their
additional language. It has shaped my mind on how I could help the students. I know
that I want to structure my classroom with several things to help ELL students.
One of the things that I will absolutely do is have a lot of group work. As the
ELL students learn from teachers and their peers, they will be able to bond and
speak more (Wright, 2015).
In
my opinion one of the aspects that should require more attention is math. The reason
is because according to Wright (2015), math vocabulary can be confusing. As there
may not be cognate words that the students could familiarize. As well as
Speaking, ELL students need time to process new information and translate it in
their home language at times.
Now
that the semester has almost come to an end, I have learned a lot. Being a teacher
means that I will have to face several challenges to make sure
that my students get the education they deserve. Just how Wright (2015),
mentions that students need we have to include students into our community which
we do once we start to introduce English to them. This course has given me a
different point of view. I know that it will take a lot of different strategies
to meet each individual of my ELL students. As a bilingual individual I know
what it is like to learn a new language. I feel that because I have been on
that journey, I will be able to provide a bit more to them.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition.
Hi Verenice, I enjoyed reading your reflection and I agree with so much you had to say. I agree that this course taught us that every little detail we can focus on as teachers of ELLs can make a difference in their learning and their process of acquiring a second language. Like you said, we have also learned many strategies to take with us, including teaching approaches and methods to implement in our classrooms with ELLs. After pointing this out, however, I feel it is most important to remember what Wright says about teaching approaches, methods, and newly learned strategies, which is that "current knowledge is always changing, and no one method or approach is applicable to every language classroom, everywhere in the world. The context of the classroom and the needs of the students should be the starting point, rather than any given method" (2015,p. 64). If we remember to put the needs of our students first and cater to all our students, we will be starting off in the right place as teachers going into our first year.
ReplyDeleteWright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015.Print. Second Edition
Hello Megan,
DeleteAs future educators we must get to know our students. During the process we will be able to know what kind of strategy would work best for each individual student. By learning different strategies and modifying to accommodate students will increase their knowledge. I agree with you that teachers should put the students needs first than anything else. I have learned that at times teachers will have to go against certain things. I believe that when students are given the opportunity to shine they will.
Hey Vernice!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog post! I agree with you that learning a new language is tough and is reflective in the students’ academic performances. Even if students speak English at home, they might be speaking in a different dialect than the one that is spoken at school. Wright mentioned that “many students, however, in their homes and communities speak regional or nonstandard varieties of English that differ in phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics and vocabulary” (Pg.38). Because of this, it can sometimes get tough for students to learn in school, so it is up to the teachers to be understanding and considerate for all students, not just those labeled as ELLs.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015.Print. Second Edition
Hi Kanwal, I completely agree with you that learning a new language is tough, even if they might understand English and speak it to an extent. I love the strategies and techniques that Wright (2015) explains within chapter 7-listening and speaking. One of my favorite strategies to use in the classroom currently is oral presentations that “provide opportunities for ELL’s to use their language skills to complete a project individually or in a small group and then to share their findings or results with the class” (p. 169). Communicating with peers and in front of the class provides ELL’s plenty of opportunities to develop appropriate language skills.
DeleteWright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Calson, 2015. Print. Second Edition
Hello Kanwal,
DeleteBeing able to speak more than two languages is a little difficult. As the brain has to process all the rules for each language it can get confusing. As well as the dialect may be different as not everyone may speak it properly. In my household we definitely don’t speak the proper the Spanish so, when other speak it correctly at times, I may not know what a certain word is. So, it is difficult for students to immediately know it is being said in class depending on the word usage.
Hello Kanwal!
DeleteI agree that it is tough for students to learn in school due to their phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and vocabulary. But if students hear music it can be easier for them to get the dialects. Wright states, “learning to sing songs in English can be an enjoyable way to learn the language, music is a big part of many ELLs of all ages and proficiency levels” (Wright, 2015. p. 169).
Wright, Wayne (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, Second Edition.
Hi Verenice!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your last blog and loved how your feelings changed from in the beginning you felt like you knew how to mostly teach them to ending the course with so much more strategies to use. I was like that too in the beginning of the course, I was not sure what I would learn but I'm glad I learned a lot. I also enjoyed that you are very aware of using certain words in your classroom for example home language and addition language. That makes the student feel appreciated and I will use that in my classroom too!
Hello Laura,
DeleteIt is amazing how much we have an impact on students. Like I said before I thought I knew what was going to work best for my ELL students, but I was wrong. Learning so many things and different strategies that I could use will benefit my students. I have learned that using the correct terms to referring ELL students is crucial as we don’t want to make them feel less important. Yes, teachers should always understand students backgrounds.
Hello, Verenice. Throughout your reflection, I noticed that you indirectly referenced advocacy, or advocating for your students, multiple times. Advocacy is an amazing supplementary aspect of good teaching and is aligned with the principles of putting your students’ best interest first in your teaching practices and decision making. In your entry 4 post, you stated, “I know that it will take a lot of different strategies to meet each individual of my ELL students.” According to Wright (2015), advocacy is going beyond daily teaching responsibilities to support and work to ensure the equitable treatment of ELLs within the school, district, state, and country to ensure that their unique linguistic, academic, and cultural needs are being fully addressed.
ReplyDeleteHello Audrey,
DeleteWhile I have been doing my internship, I see that my teacher has to advocate a lot for her students. I have learned that depending on where we teach, we will be facing several obstacles. Being able to be in this school has taught me that I need to stand up and speak for my future ELL students and make sure they get the accommodations they need. I have learned in this course that we must make sure to advocate a lot for all of our students. It is important that we as teachers are always aware of what programs and strategies work. As well as what we learn from our meetings in school.
Hello Astyn,
ReplyDeleteI also have seen in the classroom that ELL students will get from there peer who are non-ELL. This really helps the students to start to feel welcomed and comfortable in speaking. Students are very welcoming to other when the teacher has set an example and has a warm environment. For me trying to translate certain math vocabulary it’s a little difficult because some of the English words and Spanish words they have no connection. for students to have several options to assimilate that word with the correct object is phenomenal.
Hello Astyn!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and Verenice that ELL students need to interact with other English speakers because each student learns best with their peers. Wright states that, “social activity and knowledge is constructed through interaction and collaboration with others” (2015, p. 57). Students learn through social interactions because they are not afraid to make mistakes in front other student than in front of the teacher.
Wright, Wayne (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, Second Edition.
Hey Verenice,
ReplyDeleteI had a very similar experience as you. I think and truly believe now that everything I do has an impact on my kids, especially my English language learners. I think that sometimes we forget how hard it is to learn English since a lot of us have known it our whole lives. We have to remember that every detail matters, and how we teach everything matters. I am glad that the misconception that students learn English quickly is becoming outdated. If we have that in our minds, there's no point in accommodations or laws. I agree that we must advocate for our kid's education and learning experiences. I hope the best for you!