English Language Learners and Secondary Mathematics By Jaclyn

English Language Learners and Secondary Mathematics By: Jaclyn Berlin

Who are ELL Math Students? A student who may be new to the class, school, or country A student that may have had inadequate schooling A student that has had good prior mathematics instruction A student who excels in mathematics.

Therefore, an ELL student can come from (or already have) a LOW mathematics achievement background or a HIGH mathematics achievement background **This is why it is important to get to know your students!

Suggestions for Mathematics Teachers of English Learners. . .

Allocate Additional Time Many students will be translating from English to their primary language Sight words may not be immediately clear When asking a question allow extra time to respond

Use Students Background Knowledge Some English Learners will have developed substantial background in math; others will have very little Find out what students know and BUILD on the knowledge

Reduce the amount and sophistication of English language used Focus on unfamiliar vocabulary in lessons Pay careful attention to word problems

Vary Instruction Present concepts verbally and visually, with concrete examples and in abstract mathematical symbols, using pictures, graphs, diagrams, charts, etc

Challenges with EL students and Mathematics There a variety of backgrounds in each class Different cultures have different processing methods, therefore it is extremely important to have clear vocabulary to interpret thought processing Word problems provide an extra challenge when there is an extreme language gap

Suggestions to help EL students Use cooperative learning groups; pair fluent speakers with the struggling students. Promote Inquiry; allow students to explore concepts through investigative work Incorporate technology www. explorelearning. com www. hotmath. com www. brainpop. com/math

Concluding Thoughts Always plan ahead and allow flexibility in curriculum Each math book usually has side notes (for each lesson) explaining what to look out for when teaching EL learners Use as many visual and kinesthetic ways of teaching as possible; calculators, websites, algebra tiles. . .