Source: (1) Engagement Strategies for EAL learners! | LinkedIn
Navigating the complexities of teaching presents an ongoing challenge. In the classroom, we encounter varying moods, interests, and levels of engagement among students, requiring constant adaptability. Whether it’s addressing diverse interests or ensuring everyone is mentally present, these challenges demand our attention on a day-to-day, and sometimes an hour-to-hour basis.
In this edition, we’ll explore a selection of proven, and favourite, strategies that I’ve personally used with great success in my own classroom and teaching practice. These strategies have also been frequently shared in workshops I’ve conducted for schools and groups of teachers across various curricula, spanning from Pre-K to 12th grade, and are very easy to implement for EAL students.
These visual aids serve as scaffolds, providing a clear structure that aids comprehension and retention of information. By utilising graphic organisers, such as mind maps, flowcharts, or Venn diagrams, students are able to organise their thoughts, visually represent relationships between concepts, and make connections between new vocabulary and prior knowledge. Aditionally, these tools cater to diverse learning styles and linguistic abilities, fostering a more adaptive, inclusive and accessible learning environment. I’ve observed that incorporating graphic organisers not only facilitates language acquisition and discussion but also cultivates critical thinking skills and promotes active participation in the learning process.
This technique involves dividing the classroom into four corners, each representing a different response or perspective related to a topic or question. Students are then prompted to move to the corner that aligns with their opinion, experience, or understanding, providing them with a physical and interactive way to express themselves. This not only encourages active participation but also creates a supportive environment for language development, as students are exposed to diverse viewpoints and engage in meaningful discussions. Additionally, the Corner Call strategy promotes critical thinking skills as students consider various perspectives and articulate their reasoning, enhancing both language proficiency and cognitive abilities.
I’ve found games to be an invaluable tool for engaging EAL learners in the classroom. Incorporating games into lessons not only adds an element of fun and excitement but also provides numerous opportunities for language practice and acquisition. Whether it’s vocabulary bingo, language puzzles, or interactive quizzes, games offer a dynamic way for students to interact with language in context.
One of the key benefits of using games with EAL learners is that they create a low-pressure environment where students feel comfortable experimenting with language and taking risks. This is particularly beneficial for those who may be hesitant to speak or participate in traditional classroom activities. Games also promote collaboration and communication as students work together towards a common goal, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
To conclude, the journey of teaching EAL learners is both challenging and rewarding. By embracing diverse engagement strategies like graphic organisers, Corner Call, and incorporating games into our lessons, we not only create vibrant and inclusive learning environments but also empower our students to thrive academically and linguistically. Through continuous adaptation and innovation in our teaching practices, we can unlock the full potential of our EAL learners, nurturing their language skills, critical thinking abilities, and confidence in expressing themselves. Together, let us continue to explore new horizons in EAL education, fostering a community of lifelong learners and global citizens BUT never forget that sometimes it is difficult, sometimes, we don’t want to go through the effort and sometimes that is ok!
