Approaches & Methodologies in ESL

Approaches & Methodologies in ESL

1. The Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA)

   • CALLA focuses on improving ESL students' "cognitive academic language proficiency" & it is based off of content and language objectives
     • The Cognitive Learning Theory and the Sociocultural Learning Theory helped to form the CALLA model
       • CALLA can be used by ESL teachers, dual language teachers and content subject teachers
         • Connection: CALLA melds content subject instruction, academic language development and explicit instruction in learning strategies
           • Application: Instructional techniques that align with the CALLA philosophy include: literacy across the curriculum, the Language Experience Approach, balanced reading approach, process writing, cooperative learning, inquiry approaches & standards-based instruction

2. Why to teach using a Content-Based Curriculum

   • There are four reasons; First, students will develop important knowledge in different subject areas
     • Second, students can practice the language functions & skills that are required to comprehend, talk, read & write about concepts
       • Third, students will be more motivated to learn content rather than language only
         • Lastly, content gives a context for teaching students learning strategies that can be used in content subject classes
           • Application: Students will establish a knowledge base, learn procedures in the content areas, be more motivated & learn learning strategies
             • Connection: Content-based instruction is a component of CALLA

3. Academic Language Development

   • Academic language is a language register used by teachers & students to obtain new knowledge & skills
     • Academic language is more difficult & takes longer to develop than social language
       • Academic language includes all four language skills: listening, reading, speaking & writing
         • Application: Academic language functions include identifying & describing content information, explaining a process, analyzing & synthesizing concepts, justifying opinions & evaluating information
           • Connection: Academic langauge is a component of CALLA

4. How to teach Academic Language

   • Teachers should model good academic language to their students because it will encourage their students to use the same kind of language
     • English learners (ELs) should develop an awareness of language & frequently practice listening, speaking, reading & writing using academic language
       • Application: Teachers should ask higher-level questions & teach students learning strategies to help them understand, remember & use language & content
         • Connection: Academic language is a component of CALLA

5. How to teach content

   • To plan a CALLA lesson teachers must identify content objectives that coincide with state & local curriculum standards
     • Application: Teachers should give students advance organizers or an overview of the content topic & connect new information to students' prior knowledge
       • Application: Teachers should use experiential learning such as cooperative learning & other types of hands-on group activities, discuss key vocabulary, ask higher-level questions, monitor students' comprehension & teach students to monitor their own comprehesion
         • Connection: Content subject instruction is a component of CALLA

6. CALLA

   • CALLA focuses on improving curriculum, instruction & teacher expertise during the whole time ELs are acquiring academic competence in English
     • CALLA is grounded in scientific research that has recognized effective curriculum & instructional approaches for ELs & struggling students
       • An important component of CALLA is instruction in learning strategies; students will be able to learn, retain & use new information better when they are mentally active & when they analyze & reflect on their learning activities
         • Connection: CALLA relates to content-based teaching & academic language development
           • Application: Instructional techniques that align with the CALLA philosophy include: literacy across the curriculum, the Language Experience Approach, balanced reading approach, process writing, cooperative learning, inquiry approaches & standards-based instruction

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