Question

Describe a literacy strategy you can use to assist the English Language Learner (ELL) in Science classroom

Answer 1

Science can be exasperating for students who are English Language learners as they may find it hard to remember unfamiliar scientific terms, especially when they are not fluent with the language itself. However, this inability should not be confused with inability to think scientifically.

ELL: Listening can be a helpful tool for learners to pick up science without the struggle of having to read and pronounce it themselves.

Speak slowly, distinctly, and write down key terms – It can be quite difficult for learners to understand when the language is spoken too fast. What seems to be normal speed for natives may be too fast for others. When scientific terms are added to this speed, it makes it harder for English Language learners to be able to listen and comprehend effectively. To help this, it may be effective to speak at a slightly slower pace as well as right down key scientific terms and repeat them so as to emphasize and differentiate for the learners between the scientific term and other words.

Closed Captioning – Majority of science videos come with captions. IT could be really helpful for learners to read the captions while listening to the audio so they are able to follow as well as understand the pronunciation and terms that are being spoken.

The science classroom is often a frustrating place for English language learners. Science has a complex vocabulary that is difficult even for native English speakers to learn. Difficulty learning English should not be confused with an inability to think scientifically. Many of the strategies that are useful for English language learners are effective for differentiating instruction for other students as well. Use a variety of methods to see which work best with your teaching style and students.

24.7.1 – ELL: Listening

Speak slowly, distinctly, and write down key terms – Anyone who has learned a foreign language in class, then traveled to a country where the language is spoken, has noticed that it is difficult to understand natives because they seem to “talk too fast”. What seems normal speed to a native speaker is extremely fast to a language learner or to a student with a hearing impairment. The addition of the complex terms and concepts of science can make learning even more difficult. Write down key terms so students can see them and connect them to the spoken word.

Closed Captioning – Most science videos are equipped with closed captioning. Turn on the closed captioning so students can see what narrators and actors are saying (16.5.4). This helps English language learners correlate written and spoken English, and helps them see spelling and sentence construction. Closed captioning is also invaluable for the hearing impaired.

Partner English learners with strong English speakers – The best way to learn something is to be able to teach it. It may benefit both parties when a non-native speaker is paired with a native one. It helps strengthen learning for the native speaker and facilitates learning in the non-native speaker, especially if the teacher is bilingual and is able to translate.