scholarly journals English Language Learner Instruction in Middle School Mainstream Classrooms

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. p1
Author(s):  
Lakisha M. Nelson ◽  
Michelle M. McCraney ◽  
Ruby Burgess ◽  
Sunddip Panesar-Aguilar ◽  
Chris Cale
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Middle School ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
School District ◽  
General Education ◽  
Instructional Strategies ◽  
English Language ◽  
General Education Teachers ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Individual Instruction

In a southeastern state, Grade 7 and 8 middle school general education teachers were not implementing cultural and individual instructional strategies consistently to support the academic achievement of the growing population of English Language Learners (ELLs). The purpose and key research questions of this qualitative study were designed to (a) identify what cultural relevant instructional strategies Grades 7 and 8 middle school general education teachers implement, (b) identify what individual relevant instructional strategies, and (c) understand what perceptions teachers have regarding strategies to facilitate consistent implementation of cultural and individual instruction to support ELLs. The nine participants were middle school (i.e., Grade 7 and 8) general education teachers from a school district in a southeastern state. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews and the themes included teachers’ beliefs in their abilities to provide consistent instruction to support ELLs, use of varied individual instructional strategies to support ELLs, use of varied cultural instructional strategies to support the needs of ELLs, and their want of preparation and relevant professional development to instruct ELLs. The findings have implications for positive social change, including identifying areas where professional development and focused instruction on the cultural and individual needs of ELLs increase teachers’ knowledge, skills, consistency, and perceived ability to support ELLs in the local school district.

scholarly journals Adopting Instructional Strategies for English Language Learners in Elementary Classrooms

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Jiji Olds ◽  
Michelle McCraney ◽  
Sunddip Panesar-Aguilar ◽  
Chris Cale
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
General Education ◽  
Instructional Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Social Process ◽  
General Education Teachers

In an Eastern U.S. school district, little is understood about how elementary general education teachers apply instructional strategies for English Language Learners (ELLs) in the classroom and which strategies they perceive support academic achievement. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore elementary general education teachers’ reported application of ELL instructional strategies and their perceptions of how those strategies support ELL academic achievement. The study’s conceptual framework consisted of Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which infers that learning is a social process guided by interactions with one’s environment, people, and culture. Also framing this study was Krashan’s second language acquisition theory (Long, 1983), which infers that language is attained though one’s strong desire to interact with the world around them. Two research questions were used to investigate the reported ELL instructional strategies used by teachers and how teachers perceive those strategies support ELLs’ achievement. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 elementary general education teachers. Volunteers were recruited from schools having ELL populations of 30% or more. Interview data were analyzed by using open and a priori codes and thematic analysis. The findings indicated that participants used familiar instructional strategies and consistently applied them for the whole class. Additionally, participants perceived ELLs’ academic confidence and connecting concepts with their primary language as important to academic achievement. This study contributes to positive social change through a deeper understanding of the ELL instructional strategies that may benefit elementary teachers and stakeholders.

scholarly journals Exploring the Use of Learner-Centered Instruction with English Language Learners in Social Studies Classrooms

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. p36
Author(s):  
Taraneh Sabouri ◽  
Chris Cale ◽  
Sunddip Panesar-Aguilar ◽  
Michelle McCraney
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Social Studies ◽  
Instructional Strategies ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Social Studies Teachers ◽  
Marginal Effect ◽  
Instructional Approaches ◽  
Learner Centered

Despite English Language Learner (ELL) supplemental instruction on Saturdays and evenings and professional development for teachers, learner-centered instructional strategies in social studies are currently ineffective in meeting the learning needs of the ELL population in an urban school in the northeastern United States. The instructional approaches being used to deliver curriculum have a marginal effect on learning for ELL students, and the local school board supports the importance of exploring this problem. The purpose of this instrumental case study was to explore the learner-centered instructional practices used at the study site and how teachers are using Weimer’s framework to engage ELLs in social studies. Guided by Weimer’s learner-centered instruction theory, the research questions focused on exploring how teachers use Weimer’s learner-centered instructional strategies and how teachers plan their instruction for ELLs and social studies using Weimer’s framework. As a case study, this qualitative research involved gathering data during 1 academic year through observations and interviews of 10 teacher participants. Research data collected through observations and interviews were coded into an Excel document to assign and filter codes. A 3-day professional development opportunity and monthly follow-up sessions were the results of the analysis of data collected from interviews and classroom observations of 10 ELL social studies teachers in Grades 9-12. The results of this study may lead to positive social change if social studies teachers modify their learner-centered instructional approaches to increase students’ motivation and satisfaction in learning.

Misconceptions About ELLs

2021 ◽  
pp. 698-716
Author(s):  
Lara Christoun ◽  
Jun Wang
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
General Education ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching Practices ◽  
Culturally Responsive ◽  
English Language ◽  
General Education Teachers ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
School Communities ◽  
American Students

A growing number of American students are English language learners (ELLs) who speak another language other than English. By 2030, the percentage of students who speak a language other than English is expected to increase substantially. Unfortunately, general education teachers often do not feel prepared to teach ELLs in their classrooms or even hold negative attitudes toward ELLs included in their classrooms. As a result, ELLs are being underserved and continually experience lower achievement. This chapter summarizes several important misconceptions related to the teaching practices of general education teachers for ELLs based on the current literature. The authors then make recommendations for practicing teachers about culturally responsive strategies for ELLs in classrooms. Finally, they conclude with remarks regarding the mindset school communities should offer ELLs.

Misconceptions About ELLs

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Lara Christoun ◽  
Jun Wang
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
General Education ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching Practices ◽  
Culturally Responsive ◽  
English Language ◽  
General Education Teachers ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
School Communities ◽  
American Students

A growing number of American students are English language learners (ELLs) who speak another language other than English. By 2030, the percentage of students who speak a language other than English is expected to increase substantially. Unfortunately, general education teachers often do not feel prepared to teach ELLs in their classrooms or even hold negative attitudes toward ELLs included in their classrooms. As a result, ELLs are being underserved and continually experience lower achievement. This chapter summarizes several important misconceptions related to the teaching practices of general education teachers for ELLs based on the current literature. The authors then make recommendations for practicing teachers about culturally responsive strategies for ELLs in classrooms. Finally, they conclude with remarks regarding the mindset school communities should offer ELLs.

Affordances and Challenges of Using iPods to Support Learning by English Language Learners at the Middle School Level

2013 ◽  
pp. 275-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Liu ◽  
Jennifer Wivagg ◽  
Erin Maradiegue ◽  
Cesar C. Navarrete
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
School Level ◽  
Ipod Touch ◽  
Instructional Technologist ◽  
Touch Devices

While mobile devices have become very popular for communication and entertainment, there is a lack of research about how these devices can contribute in educational settings. This chapter describes an effort to use iPod touch devices as a teaching tool in middle school English Language Learner classes. The authors explore the affordances of the iPod touch as well as the challenges of implementing an iPod based project so as to gain a better understanding of the potentials offered by mobile devices for learning purposes. The authors report in this chapter their research from the perspective of the teachers and the instructional technologist involved with this project, and then discuss future plans based upon the findings.

scholarly journals Perceptions of English Language Learners—Teacher Beliefs, Professional Development and Student Outcomes: A Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. p101
Author(s):  
Stephanie H. Wright ◽  
Fernanda Vargas ◽  
Tonya Huber
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Teacher Perceptions ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Classroom Instruction ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Classroom Culture ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions

Across America, linguistically disadvantaged youth are struggling through English language arts courses without proper support in scaffolding and/or differentiated instruction. Teachers’ beliefs affect their classroom instruction, classroom management, and classroom culture. Thus, the need for research is of utmost importance as students are being pushed through the educational system without the support or respect that they deserve. This literature review examines the connection between teachers’ attitudes and perceptions of English Language Learners (ELLs) and how these thought forms affect classroom instruction. We narrowed our focus to identify studies and analyze teachers’ perceptions while servicing ELL students, specifically Latino/a English language learners. We discerned data and various levels of teacher-student engagement based on studies centered around various levels of teacher experience, all in relation to ELLs. Further, we analyzed how professional development altered educators’ attitudes and perceptions of English language learners. The articles reviewed gave insight into teacher perceptions and how most educators felt inadequately prepared to teach those whose first language was not English. By studying teachers’ viewpoints—through qualitative and quantitative analyses—we confirmed a need for professional development that will improve not only how content is learned for an English language learner, but the relationships those students encounter as well.

Group Counseling for English Language Learners to Promote Academic Navigational Capital

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 2156759X2097956
Author(s):  
Adonay A. Montes ◽  
Erika Ramos
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Group Counseling ◽  
English Language Learner ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Ell Students ◽  
Academic Settings ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Minimal Research

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of an 8-week academic navigational capital group with English language learner (ELL) students. Minimal research exists examining ELL students’ acquisition of navigational capital skills (skills needed to navigate and succeed in academic settings) in school. We used a pre- and postintervention survey to measure the impact of the group. Results showed growth in the academic navigational capital skills of all participants. Such increases represent a starting blueprint to consider when working with ELL students.

English Language Learner Classmates and the Classroom Social Skills of Students with Disabilities

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (7) ◽  
pp. 1-40
Author(s):  
Michael A. Gottfried ◽  
Morgan S. Polikoff
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
General Education ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
English Language ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Ell Students ◽  
General Education Classroom

Background/Context Though the development of social skills in kindergarten is critical, a research gap exists in how the context of the general education classroom may influence the social skills outcomes of students with disabilities: None have considered the role of peer effects in this domain. This gap is critical to address, as multiple high-needs groups are increasingly present in the same general education classroom settings. Purpose/Objective This study asks two key research questions: (1) In kindergarten, to what extent do the classroom social skills outcomes of children with disabilities differ based on the number of ELL classmates? (2) In kindergarten, to what extent do the classroom social skills outcomes of ELL students differ based on the number of classmates with disabilities? Population/Participants The data are sourced from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Class (ECLS-K), which is a nationally representative sample of students, teachers, and schools. Information was first collected from kindergartners (as well as parents, teachers, and school administrators) from U.S. kindergarten programs. This study utilizes data collected at the fall and spring of kindergarten. Research Design This study combines secondary data analyses and quasi-experimental methods. There are three social skills outcomes: (1) approaches to learning, (2) interpersonal skills, and (3) self control. The study begins with a baseline, linear regression model. To address issues pertaining to omitted variable bias, the study employs multilevel fixed effects modeling. Findings The coefficients indicate that students with disabilities tend to have improved social skills with an increase in the number of ELL classmates. The effects remain significant even after accounting for multiple omitted variable biases. Notably, the reverse relationship does not hold: The number of classmates with disabilities has no significant influence on the outcomes of ELL students. Conclusions/Recommendations This research offers more in-depth insight into how the classroom context and the effects of classmates may have a unique relationship for specific high-needs groups such as students with disabilities—a strand of research in this area that is often overlooked. School practices can thus be guided by determining not simply if one group of students performs better or worse on average, but rather by asking, better or worse for whom in particular?

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