In Canada, we live in a country with many different cultures, people, and identities, and with many of them, English is not necessarily their language. English learner students represent a large population in many schools, and their needs are often quite different than many other students that are english proficient.
Math is a subject of ample terms, and as a person who does not have English as my first language, it was a class that would cause some anxiety. So many new and odd terms to learn that are seemingly only used in the math classroom! Not only was I learning English, I was learning the language of mathematics. For many students this can cause the course to become even more daunting and challenging.
As a teacher, I look very much forward to being able to teach english language learners, not only because I can empathize with their difficulties, but because through talking about my experiences with other teachers, I have been shown many resources. One of the resources I would like to share with you all taking this course is the ESL math study sets on a website called Quizlet (http://quizlet.com/subject/esl-math/). On it, there are many resources and activities that can help both ELL and english proficient learners become comfortable with the language of mathematics. There are also, albeit fewer, resources aimed at teaching ELL students various aspects of the curriculum.
It frustrates me to see in many ELL classes that the curriculum is often “watered down” because of a presumed lack of ability. I hope that we can stop perpetuating this idea, and can learn to infuse our pedagogies with different approaches that can accommodate but not “baby” these learners. So, use this resource, develop and share some of your own and allow ELL learners the ability to learn math just as much as any other student!
Hi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post on the ability of English Language Learners. You make the great point that we shouldn't assume as teachers, that since our students are confronted with a language barrier that the student is not functioning at the appropriate math level of his/her peers.
I enjoyed viewing your quizlet tool, it was neat to see the math term in bold and right underneath it was an example of the term. I think this would not only benefit ELLs but also English speaking students. I'd use this tool as a Minds On activity at the beginning of the lesson to get students thinking about the type of math they're about to embark on. I'd also use it in the consolidation period to ensure students are comfortable with the terminology about the activity they just engaged in.
Van de Walle has also made note of encouraging ELL to feel accepted and included in the lesson planning of math teachers. Cross curricular opportunities between math and reading/writing can also be made to help students become more comfortable with the language spoken.
Great topic!
Nicolina
Hi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent point. Math would definitely be that much tougher for a student if English - or the language of instruction was not their first language nor a language they are very proficient in. I work in an entirely French school and although most students are very proficient in the French language, math is somewhat of a challenge for students that have difficulties in reading comprehension in French. There are students that struggle with math simply because they do not understand the questions or what is being asked of them due to a language barrier. Often, these students are very proficient in math, but not as proficient in the French language which sometimes causes many comprehension mistakes on tests and assignments. This is definitely an issue we must keep in mind when teaching math. Many students are in fact good at math, but lack the proficiency in a language or the literacy skills that are an integral part of everyday math class.