Approaches and Methods for ESL

Approaches and Methods for ESL

1. Communicative - in this approach, students will develop language skills through communication and interaction

   • Silent Way
     • The teacher spends the most time talking; students repeat or signal for understanding.
       • Thumbs up - thumbs down - this approach reminds me that the students sometimes respond based on what they see their peers do. It does not require much effort on their part.
   • Natural Way
     • The students L1 is welcomed. The students learn their L2 through interactions with their peers.
       • This encounter can take place in small groups, at recess, or even at the lunch table. It can happen through basic conversation between the students.
   • Suggestopedia
     • The EL students are allowed to use their L1 for understanding, but there is little correction if they do make an error.
       • Small groups are can easily be used in this approach. Students working together in groups have the opportunity to speak to each other without drawing a lot of attention to themselves. Although this is a great teaching strategy, it doesn't provide a lot of opportunity for the teacher to correct it.
   • Sheltered Instruction
     • Grade-level curriculum is modified. Students are provided with scaffolding and their learning is very involved.
       • In my classroom, I used this approach during my SIOP lesson. I divided my students into groups based on their learning styles and language development. The students worked in groups using hands-on manipulates, like real life flowers, to learn about plants parts. Their were labels in English, and Spanish if needed. The students used pictures and drawings to show their understanding.
   • Integrated Content-Based
     • Content based instruction that focuses on the L2 development. Subjects are usually divided in units.
       • This method provides opportunities for the students to work with a particular subject area using manipulates, visuals, and hands-on activities that will help the students understand the content area.

2. Grammatical or Grammar-Based - this approach is teacher-centered and places emphasis on the correct form and structures of language.

   • Grammar Translation
     • Focuses on reading, writing, and grammar.
       • The use of journals is a way that I hold my students accountable for their writing. Along with that, the students are responsible for writing in a correct form.
   • Direct
     • Forces EL students to use the L2
       • While this is not my favorite approach, the students do need to total emersion to learn an L2. Creating simple open-ended questions is a good way for EL students to use their L2.
   • Audiolingual
     • Focuses on correcting error through repetition and drill practice.
       • With DIBELS, we spend a lot of time focusing on what they did wrong. We do weekly drills and practices orally to get them ready for the next assessment.

3. Cognitive - this approach focuses on direct or explicit teaching and the use of learning strategies.

   • CALLA
     • Developmentally apporopriate with language instruction. Provides students with intentional focus on langauge development and is based on thier prior knowledge.
       • With my SIOP lesson, I began by having the students use their prior knowledge of flowers to participate in a picture sort. The lesson's directions were explicit and direct so that the students knew exactly what was expected of them.

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