According to the NEA, by next year, one in four students in classrooms across the nation will be an English Language Learner (ELL). These students face the challenge of learning a new language while keeping up with academic content at the same time. With ELLs making up such a large percentage of our student population, it’s more important than ever to provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
Emma W. Shuey Elementary School in Rosemead, California, is already well above the national average. Over 40% of our students are ELLs, with the majority speaking Mandarin or Vietnamese at home. I have had the honor of leading our ELL program and have experienced firsthand our students’ journey through the education system. Educational technology plays a vital role in their learning process, and I can attest to the impact it has on our students’ academic achievement and self-confidence.
However, a 2023 survey by the EdWeek Research Center shows that educators believe one of the biggest problems with EdTech is the incorrect or inefficient use of tools in the classroom. Technology is constantly evolving and, although designed to facilitate learning, can sometimes hinder the learning process, especially if it is not tailored to educational purposes. If the technology does not work effectively, for example, if students cannot hear well or clearly while using the device, it becomes difficult to measure students’ true learning and knowledge. This issue is especially problematic for ELLs during reading comprehension exercises. The key is to continually monitor and adapt the use of technology to help students succeed.
We have all seen struggles and successes in the classroom. Throughout my 20+ year career in education, I have implemented a variety of tools to keep students engaged and motivated to learn. Below are some suggestions to help keep your ELL program on track and boost student confidence:
Choose technology that allows you to customize and personalize for each learner. One of the biggest challenges I see in ELL programs is the desire to teach all students the same content at the same time. This causes some students to fall behind and others to become bored or lose interest. I have found that consistent use of tools like Imagine Learning can create an equitable learning environment. The platform allows students to progress and celebrate their individual successes. Because Imagine Learning works in students’ native language, it gives students a level of security, boosts their confidence, and even leads to English proficiency. I also really like Epic Books, an audio-based digital reading platform. It creates an inclusive learning environment for students who cannot read on their own. However, these tools are only as good as the audio technology used to access them. Choose audio and video peripherals designed with the learner in mind. Last fall, I conducted a survey of over 50 students to improve student focus and engagement during independent reading time. Over the course of the eight-week study, I measured the impact of headset technology on students’ reading performance. In the first half of the study, I used wired earphones. In the second half, I switched to over-the-ear headsets. While the earphones were generic and not specifically designed for learning, the headsets were made for young learners and were designed to block out background noise and prioritize voice clarity over music. Switching to Logitech Zone Learn headsets dramatically improved students’ focus, comprehension, and willingness to continue reading. Incorporate current trends as much as possible to keep students engaged. Students are more motivated to learn if the topic you’re teaching is relevant to them. Rather than focusing on “forever” materials, I look for trending news and events that inspire learning. From World Cup competitions to tornado season, I was able to energize my students and help them not only strengthen their English vocabulary and grammar, but also expand their knowledge of math, geography, and science. Track and share students’ progress to encourage their growth. I use tools like Flip (formerly known as Flipgrid) to document students’ accomplishments from the time they join the program until they graduate. These documented “time capsules” are a great way for students to see and celebrate firsthand how much they’ve grown.
Keeping ELL students engaged and limiting distractions is important to their success, which ultimately leads to self-confidence. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to inspire them and keep them on track with their learning. I love incorporating technology into learning when I know it will make a difference. Seeing my students go from barely speaking English to confident, fluent speakers of English when they graduate is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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