Our focus in the ESL Program is to address the needs of English Language Learners (ELs), whose first language is a language other than English. We strive to ensure that our student population, which includes a rich diversity in cultures from around the Pacific islands and abroad, attain proficiency in English and meet academic and content standards that all students are expected to meet. In the ESL class, the ELs become active learners of meaning and in making connections and transitions among ideas and elements.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

March 2012

"How Do English Language Learners Learn?"

by:  Lois T. Gumataotao 
ESL Teacher/Coordinator 

 
At this time of the year, it is quite evident that there is great progress of the ESL students in all four domains (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).  So how do the English Learners learn?  The following are only some ways ESL students learn:

Ø      The ESL students learn language best when they are treated as individuals with their own needs and interests. 

Ø      ESL students learn best when their needs, backgrounds, perspectives and interests are reflected in the learning program.

Ø      ESL students learn language best when they are provided with
         opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities. 

Ø      ESL students learn best when learning reflects the way things are currently done in the community

Ø      ESL students learn best when they are challenged and supported to develop and apply their thinking

Ø      ESL students learn language best when they are provided with appropriate feedback about their progress.

Ø      ESL students learn best when the learning environment promotes independence, cooperation and self-motivation.


I hope the above principles provided you some understanding on how English Learners Learn.  I then invite you back to April’s issue in the Trumpeteer to read about the teaching strategies for ESL students.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)