Learning Environment
Describe the learning environment you create for your ELL students. How does that contribute to their learning?
Jon,
Excellent idea. Peer learning is very successful!
Arlene Muller
if possible team them up with a peer that has success as an ELL
Ariel,
Ariel, I think you can go beyond saying a friendly environment. You are making your classroom a safe place to learn. Bravo! for your efforts. Your students feel you create an environment where it is safe to make a mistake.
Arlene Muller
I try to create a friendly environment in class that helps me teach and get a good mood within my students. They feel in a pleasant way to discuss material in class even respond to questions about the topics
Kirk,
Absolutely, you understand that students learn from each other. You could also expand your assignments with some reality of their outside world. Teaching students to assimilate in their new community. Try incorporating manners, ordering food at a restaurant/fast food and inter acting with
everyday life encounters. You could see their confidence improve.
Arlene Muller
I teach in an environment where I have students from all walks of life and various countries. From the start of the first day of class I encourage questions and participation from all of my students. I also tell my students that I always have learned from them and that learning works both ways. My classes teach both theory and practical applications with lots of in class assignments. I supplement my lectures with video's and simple diagrams and provide handouts with terminology and review information for exams. During the practical applications I use many examples and have the students work together. I find that sometimes several ELL students will pair up and help one another and other times an ELL student will pair up with someone in the class that who understands the material well. Sometimes I will pair the students together. I always make myself available to all students for additional tutoring and questions. I find that this creates a comfortable learning environment.
Lan,
Yes, students learn so much from each other. Congratulations for putting your student's egos first. You still have control and can give more individual attention visiting each group.
Arlene Muller
Maikel,
All students bring a unique cultural background to the classroom. All students deserve the same equal opportunity to learn and the opportunity to respect all the cultures in the classroom. Your leadership is important to creating that healthy environment. You have my admiration.
Arlene Muller
Richard,
Excellent thinking! One size does not fit all. I salute your courage to teach from that foundation. I know it is not easy.
Arlene Muller
Lori,
What a great assignment! I love that you blend the respect of cultures and learning.
Arlene Muller
Warren,
Oh how lucky your students are to have you with such a diverse background. Your ability to give back will make a difference in your student's education.
Arlene Muller
Hi
I divided my ELL students into several small groups so they can learn and also help each other. Lan Le
I fully understand what ELL students are experiencing. I grew up with family members who immigrated from China, speaking English wasn't even thought of as a necessary means of survival. As they ventured into the "new" world, many soon realized they had to learn new ways. Being in education I have learned to "listen" to ELL students more than I ever expected. I can understand their need for acceptance. I have found that when speaking with ELL students if I use perfect English I'm not being completely fair with them. I lived in Hawaii for a couple of years and learned pidgin English. Also lived in south Florida for about 20 years and learned what was referred to as "Spanglish". Both forms of my "adopted" English have been effective in helping bridge the gap between ELL students and myself.
My classroom contains pictures of many different cultures and locations as well as information written in all languages represented by the class. Students are encouraged to write vocabulary words in their native language and English and then to share those with the other students.
Because not all my students are ELL, it is a challenge to adress language difficulties outside of individuall consultations. I always strive to first be aware of the differences in capabilities. Noting to those that are ELL that I will work with them to ensure fair asesments. In other words, ensuring that I don't have a one-size fits all mentality.
This is a goog point. In my opinion we have to treat the student as equally, but we must take into account the student peculiarities and treat each student as an unique person to create a healthy environment, because our cosmopolitansociety, and yes we are equals,but we have different manners, religions, cultures ...
V.,
Respect, acceptance, and tolerance are all modeled and promoted in the class activities. You have a fantastic work ethic with these words. Your students will learn so much because you have made such an open learning environment.
Arlene Muller
Each semester brings a unique mix of individuals into my classes. Some have come from Germany and India, but the vast majority of ELL students are Hispanic learners. ELL students also differ in the methods they employ math problem solving skills. I encourage these students to share how they solve the problems in their country; subsequently, the classmates and I learn a new way of looking at these mathematically. Everyone benefits from this interactive and open environment. Students share foods from their own culture as a culminating activity for a fraction unit. Respect, acceptance, and tolerance are all modeled and promoted in the class activities.
Pierre,
I like that you understand how to relate to your students because of your background. However, I think you have realized that ELL students need the highest level of communication. I agree with you that you need to "pay close attention or by staying focused when interacting" with your students.
Arlene Muller
