What Affects English Language Learning?
First language
Cultural background
Personality
Motivation
Age
Learning style
Quality of instruction
Second Language Acquisition
Second Language Acquisition researchers break up language into two groups:
-BASIC INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS (BICS): This is the social language that is used in the cafeteria, on the playground, and in the hallway. It is the everyday language that children use. It takes approximately 2-3 years for ELLs to become proficient in BICS, which is developed naturally through interaction with peers and other native English speakers.
-COGNITIVE ACADEMIC LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY (CALP): This is the academic English we use in the formal classroom. ELLs would use this type of language to understand and master the abstract concepts that they are being taught. CALP can take 7-10 years to achieve.
The speed and quality with which students acquire BICS and CALP are greatly affected by native language and proficiency. The stronger the student’s skills in his/her first language, the easier it is for transfer of those skills to occur.
The Silent Period
Observations and studies of children's second-language acquisition have revealed that in the initial phase of the language acquisition process, there is typically a 'silent period' during which children acquiring a new language in natural settings are silent and concentrate on comprehension. And they may respond, if necessary, only in a non-verbal way or by making use of a set of memorized phrases.
The Input Hypothesis: Issues and Implications, Stephen Krashen, 1985, Longman
New York State LEP Identification Process
The New York State ESL Learning Standards
The Four Stages of Second Language Acquisition
Helping LEP Students Adjust to the Classroom
Recommended Classroom Strategies for Teachers Working with ELLs
Challenges in Content Area Learning for ELLS: Reading
Challenges in Content Area Learning for ELLS: Mathematics
Challenges in Content Area Learning for ELLS: Science
Challenges in Content Area Learning for ELLS: Social Studies
Ten Ways Parents Can Promote Language Learning at Home
The Dos & Don’ts of Working with an Interpreter
Common Questions and Answers concerning ESL
Helpful Websites and Shenendehowa ESL teacher contact info
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