Methods that support English Language Learners (ELLs)

One strategy that supports ELLs is playing with their strengths and interest. The technique involves using illustrations related to what the ELLs like, and can do. It helps them to connect the English words that the instructor is using to their meanings. Most of the vocabularies do not have meaning in the mind of the learner, but when the instructor associates them with interests, it becomes easy to comprehend. Giving stories and examples related to the learner’s attention for example hiking enables the learner to gain interest in the words and therefore learn their meaning.

Integration of learner’s cultural background supports in learning English. In this method, the instructor uses examples from the learner’s environment when giving illustrations. It is easy for learners to understand the deep meaning of an English vocabulary and sentence structure when they have a picture of the item in reference. One thing or process can have a different meaning in English and also in the native language. Using the exact illustration form the native culture to associate it with an English word reduces confusion making it easy for the learner to understand. The instructor can also translate an English word or sentence into the native language. The strategy creates a foundation which helps the ELLs understand how to connect words in English.

Another method that supports ELLs is the use of groups or friends to practice English. The learners should engage in a group discussion or a group game with friends who use English as their first language. Also, the learners can engage with peers whom they are so close to learning more English words. Practice is essential since it helps the learners to create a memory of what they learned before they accumulate too much. Groups engage learners because they will have to talk unlike in a class setting where the instructor talks alone. Learns are free to speak when they are with their peers because they do not fear them. They will not worry whether they make mistakes. The method will help them realize what they do not know and therefore seek to understand.

How to develop multicultural awareness in the classroom

To promote multicultural awareness in the classroom, I would use instructional materials that allow the integration of different cultures in the learning. The documents include books which incorporate different cultures in the content. Such literature will help students learn the culture of other people as they learn theirs. I would also be selective in themes that motivate learners to discover other cultures. For example, selecting titles like my friend’s home town alerts the learners that they are going to study the unique features of a different culture. Another way to develop multicultural awareness is through giving learners activities which present other cultures as well as their own cultures. Such events can involve preparing a performance on the role of girls and boys from a particular culture. Such activities will help the learners understand other people more with their unique characters and learn to avoid rating some cultures as superior or inferior. Creating specific learning styles to different students is another way I would develop multicultural awareness. Different cultures have different ways of understanding content. Having a learner specific method will allow accommodation of all cultures, and therefore students learn to coexist with others.