Challenges in Content Area Learning for ELLs (English Language Learners)
Challenges for ELLs in Social Studies
Social Studies and U.S. history provide the biggest challenge to ELLs in their content classes. They have very limited background knowledge to activate. ELLs lack prior knowledge of U.S. history, geography, and current events. Many students will memorize information for a test, but it has no relevance for them so the information is quickly forgotten.
Challenges that ELLs face when studying social studies:
* Use of higher level thinking skills for reading and writing.
* Lack of familiarity with historical terms, government processes, and vocabulary.
* Social Studies text contains complex sentences, passive voice, and extensive use of pronouns.
* ELLs may not be used to expressing their personal opinions.
* Nationalistic and cultural focus of maps.
* Concepts which do not exist in all cultures are difficult. This includes privacy, democratic processes, rights of citizens, free will.
* No concept of movement within the structure of a society.
* ELLs are seldom asked to contribute an alternate view that reflects conditions in other countries.
* Use in our schools of “timeline” teaching vs. learning history by “dynasty” or “period.”
* Difficulty with understanding what is said by the teacher and being able to take notes.
* Amount of text covered and the ELLs’ inability to tell what is important in the text and what is not important.
Judie Haynes, everythingESL.net, 2004
Adapted from audience response, TESOL 2003
New York State LEP Identification Process
The New York State ESL Learning Standards
The Four Stages of Second Language Acquisition
What Affects English Language Learning?/The Silent Period
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
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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