A basic understanding of second language acquisition (SLA) theory can prove invaluable when working with English Learners (ELs). It allows educators to understand what their students are experiencing as they progress through the various stages.
Resources
Connecting the Stages of Second Language Acquisition to Instruction
Definition
Underlying Principles
There are five stages of second language acquisition that every student progresses through:
• Pre-production
• Early production
• Speech emergence
• Intermediate fluency
• Advanced fluency
There are practices that support effective instruction for students at each stage of language acquisition.
• Pre-production
• Early production
• Speech emergence
• Intermediate fluency
• Advanced fluency
There are practices that support effective instruction for students at each stage of language acquisition.
Rationale
All teachers are teachers of language. By knowing the characteristics of each stage, the educator can more effectively plan instruction that makes content comprehensible to students.
Resources
Focus on Dynamic Language Learning Progressions
DLLP Basics
Patterns of Power Workshop
Using the DLLP with Dialogue Journals
Using the DLLP as an Impetus for Whole School Change
Patterns of Power Workshop
Using the DLLP with Dialogue Journals
Using the DLLP as an Impetus for Whole School Change
Exploring Facilitative Discourse Moves for English Learners
Design Studio Overview: Reworking probes to create assessment that reveals the mathematics thinking of students, including new speakers of English
Exploring Facilitative Discourse Moves for English Learners
Facilitative Discourse Moves to Reveal Student Thinking For Formative Assessment & Instruction: Cross-Content Inventory of Strategies Handout (PDF)
Exploring Facilitative Discourse Moves for English Learners
Facilitative Discourse Moves to Reveal Student Thinking For Formative Assessment & Instruction: Cross-Content Inventory of Strategies Handout (PDF)
Additional Resources
Short powerpoint on SLA Stages
Article in MexTESOL journal that explores the different ways a graduate level Second Language Acquisition theory course influenced the perspective and practice of US mainstream content area teachers
Article in MexTESOL journal that explores the different ways a graduate level Second Language Acquisition theory course influenced the perspective and practice of US mainstream content area teachers