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July 25, 2006 |
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Teaching Academic Language to English Language Learners The Pueblo Chieftain article listed in the News section above outlines some of the challenges that English language learners face as they learn the academic language that they need to succeed. Explore how teachers can help students learn academic language with the following articles. Read more on the the needs of ELL students in the School Talk article "Three Types of English Language Learners" (E), written by the Yvonne and David Freeman, the teachers featured in the Pueblo Chieftain article. The Voices from the Middle article "Learning the Language of Academic Study" (M) includes a list of words and tips for exploring the language of classroom discussion and academic testing with students. "Can English Language Learners Acquire Academic English?" (S) asks this English Journal article by Mary Carmen Cruz, who explains, "If we recognize that best instructional practices for ESL students are best practices for all students, we will know that the answer is yes." See the article for more details on the challenges and solutions for your high school classes. Check out the College Composition and Communication article "Our Students Write With Accents -- Oral Paradigms for ESD Students" (C), which asserts that "some of the problems we encounter in literacy instruction are the result of trying to correct and explain oral language patterns and practices by using the rules and practices of the academic written language." The article provides examples and strategies to better bridge oral practices and academic practices. For additional resources to help English Language Learners, try the Teaching Resource Collections on Elementary English Language Learners and on Secondary English Language Learners. |