Summary/History of the Problem The changing demographics throughout the United States have resulted in a rising of English Language Learner (ELL) populations in the classroom. In the past ten years there has been a “417%” increase of ELL students in Kentucky and similar percentage increases for several other states, including Maryland. (Blake 1). The odds are good that most teachers will encounter one or more ELL students during their teaching career. These students vary in English language acquisition and cultural assimilation. The majority of teachers and administrators have not yet acclimated themselves to the new influx of students who need additional guidance and resources to succeed. Research data reveals high percentages of ELL students
…show more content…
Similarly to English speakers, ELLs are not all the same and have different backgrounds, social and academic experiences, cognitive abilities, and learning styles to name a few. One of the major points made in many of the articles was that it is important to recognize the ELL students’ history and embrace their prior knowledge and use it as a resource for future learning. Instruction for these students should include content information while learning the English language so that the student is learning grade level topics simultaneously. The development of effective instruction suited towards each individual ELL student and embracing his/her cultural background and knowledge is crucial for his/her academic …show more content…
For example, Adams argues that teachers should demonstrate their own struggles and methods of writing in order for their students to realize that “we are all writers” (Adams 117). Teachers need to show their students that writing is work for everyone and demonstrate their own struggles during the process, which allows students to feel they are not alone and can succeed in learning the English language in oral and written
Similarly to English speakers, ELLs are not all the same and have different backgrounds, social and academic experiences, cognitive abilities, and learning styles to name a few. One of the major points made in many of the articles was that it is important to recognize the ELL students’ history and embrace their prior knowledge and use it as a resource for future learning. Instruction for these students should include content information while learning the English language so that the student is learning grade level topics simultaneously. The development of effective instruction suited towards each individual ELL student and embracing his/her cultural background and knowledge is crucial for his/her academic …show more content…
For example, Adams argues that teachers should demonstrate their own struggles and methods of writing in order for their students to realize that “we are all writers” (Adams 117). Teachers need to show their students that writing is work for everyone and demonstrate their own struggles during the process, which allows students to feel they are not alone and can succeed in learning the English language in oral and written