Informational Essay
Becoming an ESL teacher can be overwhelming and intimidating at times. In the ESL classroom, instruction is given in English only which can sometimes lead to communication issues between the teacher and the student. Because the students’ native language is not spoken in the classroom, students often have trouble acquiring the English language through the traditional curriculum. There are many accommodations that ESL teachers make for their students such as modeling behaviors or work they wish to see the student complete, incorporating the use of pictures into instruction, and providing students with written copies of directions, activities, or instruction. Although these are all effective methods for teaching ESL students, I couldn’t help but wonder “How can I incorporate hands on activities into my classroom which provide students with an authentic form of learning without the traditional direct teaching method?”
This question led me into the research of teaching ESL students through the use of technology and writing conferences. Incorporating technology into the ESL classroom gives students the opportunity to interact with the English language in a different way. Because we live in the age of technology and what is “hot” today could be gone tomorrow, my research focuses on the use of technologies that can be incorporated into everyday classroom instruction and that have remained constant over many years. The use of technologies such as audio books, e-books, word processors, and video recordings are just some of the examples discussed throughout my articles that have been proven effective with English language learners. Because ESL students also need frequent opportunities to use their acquired language through meaningful interactions, items such as video recordings can allow students to work together to complete an assignment such as a newscast. Computer mediated communication is also an excellent way of allowing students to use their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in real context. The focus of my project includes meaningful ways to incorporate assistive technology throughout the classroom which in turn help ESL students with their acquisition of new language.
Conducting writing conferences can be another effective way of assisting English language learners. Through writing conferences, teachers establish a more collaborative relationship with students. It is important to note that during a writing conference teachers have two roles they must take on. The first role, which is the instructional role, teachers should focus on content, asking frequent questions, and setting high expectations for students. The second role which is the nurturing role, teachers create a climate of respect, trust and caring. It is imperative that teachers find a medium between the strict instructional role and the nurturing role during a writing conference with students. By establishing a climate of respect and collaboration, teachers can help ESL students overcome their fears of writing and communicating in a new language.
Overall, teaching ESL students through technology and writing conferences allows for meaningful interactions with the English language. As students are given the opportunity to merge their cognitive academic language and their basic interpersonal communication skills, they can begin to build on their language acquisition and develop into proficient readers and writers.
This question led me into the research of teaching ESL students through the use of technology and writing conferences. Incorporating technology into the ESL classroom gives students the opportunity to interact with the English language in a different way. Because we live in the age of technology and what is “hot” today could be gone tomorrow, my research focuses on the use of technologies that can be incorporated into everyday classroom instruction and that have remained constant over many years. The use of technologies such as audio books, e-books, word processors, and video recordings are just some of the examples discussed throughout my articles that have been proven effective with English language learners. Because ESL students also need frequent opportunities to use their acquired language through meaningful interactions, items such as video recordings can allow students to work together to complete an assignment such as a newscast. Computer mediated communication is also an excellent way of allowing students to use their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in real context. The focus of my project includes meaningful ways to incorporate assistive technology throughout the classroom which in turn help ESL students with their acquisition of new language.
Conducting writing conferences can be another effective way of assisting English language learners. Through writing conferences, teachers establish a more collaborative relationship with students. It is important to note that during a writing conference teachers have two roles they must take on. The first role, which is the instructional role, teachers should focus on content, asking frequent questions, and setting high expectations for students. The second role which is the nurturing role, teachers create a climate of respect, trust and caring. It is imperative that teachers find a medium between the strict instructional role and the nurturing role during a writing conference with students. By establishing a climate of respect and collaboration, teachers can help ESL students overcome their fears of writing and communicating in a new language.
Overall, teaching ESL students through technology and writing conferences allows for meaningful interactions with the English language. As students are given the opportunity to merge their cognitive academic language and their basic interpersonal communication skills, they can begin to build on their language acquisition and develop into proficient readers and writers.
