Teaching ELL Students

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

Immigrant students in the United States come from virtually every country in the world and all levels of socio-economic status and background. While some of them do require some English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, most are normally matriculating students and take regular academic courses. The needs of migrant students are often exacerbated as their families move around the states according to the crop harvest. Many lose quite a bit of schooling over the course of a year, and benefit from the careful guidance teachers can provide.

Tips for success from experienced ESL teachers:

1. Create lessons that connect with where the students are. Teachers must invite students to talk about things they know and make connections with their prior knowledge.
2. The teacher must communicate his/her expectations to show the students that s/he believes in them. If students can be empowered to take responsibility for their own learning, they are learning how to learn.
3. Use technology to help students learn in an active way. At one Texas school, which uses Computer Assisted Instruction to drill on skills, test scores have gone up every year.
4. Teachers can use cognitive coaching to help cultivate critical thinking skills. When students have successfully answered a problem, ask them, "How did you get that? Why?"
5. Use Advisor / Advisee programs to allow students to have personal contact with at least one teacher. Teachers then become liaisons with the home. Use translators when necessary.
6. Educating parents about their role in their child's education is also part of the mission. For immigrant parents, you need to go that extra mile.
7. Be attuned to the proportion of minority students. Teachers should try to create an accepting climate in the classroom. If there are only a few students, they will most likely feel isolated. If willing, have new students introduce themselves and share their experiences to educate the others.

Source:

Ferreia, M. & Boutwell, S. 1997. Teaching Immigrant and Migrant Students. Teacher Talk. Indiana University. Center for Adolescent Studies. Kris Bosworth, Director.

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