One thing that I connected from the texts to what we have been talking about in class was the importance of vocabulary instruction for EAL students. I have been thinking about and playing with an idea for teaching mathematics vocabulary for students in general but quickly realized that it would also be extremely helpful for EAL students as well. The basic design of the method is that students are asked to define (in their own words) the word, draw an example/visual of the word, and connect that word to other words. Kind of like a mind map mixed with a word wall. This helps visual and kinesthetic students learn the vocabulary in the proactive ways that cater to their learning style. Auditory learners on the other hand can also add a step in which they explain out loud, in their own words, the definition. This can be used as a homework exercise, as a review game, and even put on the test. I imagine that it would be especially helpful in a geometry class. For EAL students, this multistep process in learning a mathematical word can help the student visualize and process a frequent word instead of never learning the word and being confused by additional lessons involving the vocabulary word.
Another take-away from the texts deals with the way notes are structured. The Hinchman text emphasized how fill in the blank notes can be especially helpful for EAL students since this allows them to be engaged through note taking but not left behind. This reminds me of how Dr. Hathaway structures his notes. This is often a helpful method since writing down the definitions and theorems of mathematics takes much longer than the explanation and, before you are done writing the notes, the teacher has already moved on and you were not able to listen to the instruction because you were busy writing notes. If this is the struggle of a native English speaker, imagine the frustration of a EAL student!
The most important take away I got from the texts, though, is that each student is different when it comes to language, culture, personality, motivation, and level of learned-English. I also think it is important for us as teachers to know when we are ill-equipped for dealing with language barriers and seeking out resources to help us serve our students in the best way possible. I will be honest, teaching children who are not fluent in English is intimidating to me. But I know that being patient and keeping high expectations is key to helping EAL students succeed in the classroom.
I agree that it is very important to acknowledge how far English language learners have already had to come academically to get where they are in the classroom. To me, it seems like it would be impossible to learn what's required of us, but in another language. As teachers, we should remember this when teaching students who do not speak English as their first language. If we are able to identify with them in this sense, then I think we will be better equipped to effectively teach them.
ReplyDeleteLooking into outside resources is a great idea! There may be cultural things or language barriers that cannot be overcome by yourself alone. It is also important to remember that your other students could help you in this aspect. Sometimes it is easier for students to interact among themselves, rather than with an authoritative adult figure. You may even have another student from that same background/language that could be extremely helpful in developing the student's knowledge, especially as it pertains to English.
Ellie
ReplyDeleteI thought your blog was great. I loved your reference to how the struggle is for us to take notes and what that would mean to an ELL student. I agree with you that fill in the blank notes will benefit ELL students Fortunately, these types of notes would also benefit the other students in class. I plan on using these types of notes in my future class; I have had math classes both ways, with notes given to you and when you have to write everything down, there are pros and cons to both ways but for ELL students, fill in the blank would be best. If we were to have an ELL student in our future class it would just be another challenge for us to take a day at a time.