English Language Learners
DEFINITION
An ELL student is someone whose first language is not English and is not fluent enough in English to be bilingual. English Language Learners (ELL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) students are students who first learned to speak, read and/or write in language(s) other than English. Coding: Code 301, Foreign born ESL (Funded) Code 303, Canadian born ESL (Funded) Code 302, Foreign born ESL (Unfunded; usually well off) |
CHARACTERISTICS/BEHAVIOURS
In Alberta ELL students are categorized on five levels. Level 1, Beginning: Has little to no experience speaking English and are usually literate in their first language. Level 2, Developing: Usually has had some previous schooling and limited English proficiency and experience with the language. Level 3, Expanding: May have been in Canada for some time or have studied English a bit in their home country. Level 4, Bridging: Listening and speaking skills are approaching native English speakers. Still struggle with English reading and writing skills though. Level 5, Extending: May have studied English for many years but requires support when understanding literature and cultural references. Usually quite fluent speaking English and proficient in reading and writing. |
TEACHING STRATEGIES
-Relate content teaching class to personal interests and background knowledge of their home country to spike interest in their learning. - Use visuals, photos, and concrete props to help connect what you are lecturing to the student to understand the English. Using pictures and items they can relate to culturally is also recommended. - Use choral reading in your classroom to allow student to not feel like they are in the spotlight but still speaking the language. - Using alternative assessments as most ELL students simply memorize the content as comprehension is the hardest part of language to grasp. Give them options of longer time to finish test, someone to help interpret, use of dictionary, etc. |
RESOURCES
http://www.education.alberta.ca/media/6352722/22_ch%2014.pdf
http://www.education.alberta.ca/media/6352722/22_ch%2014.pdf
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/eslapb/organizing_for_instruction_characteristics.html
http://www.educ.ualberta.ca/staff/olenka.bilash/best%20of%20bilash/ELLstudents.html
http://www.education.alberta.ca/media/6352722/22_ch%2014.pdf
http://www.education.alberta.ca/media/6352722/22_ch%2014.pdf
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/eslapb/organizing_for_instruction_characteristics.html
http://www.educ.ualberta.ca/staff/olenka.bilash/best%20of%20bilash/ELLstudents.html