teaching math to english language learners

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Cindy Smith, Mathematics Coach GSSD References: Teachers guide created by the SHSU MELL Group, November 2005, in collaboration with the Texas State University System and the Texas Education Agency. Suggested supports and Accommodations for EAL students in Middle Years and Secondary Classrooms, Carol McCullough, CALP LANGUAGE IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION: A DOUBLE JEOPARDY FOR SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS Kgomotso Gertrude Garegae University of Botswana [email protected] What Works? ESL in the Mathematics Classroom. Research into practice. Ontario Education, July 2008, TEACHING MATH TO ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

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  • 1. TEACHING MATH TOENGLISH LANGUAGELEARNERSCindy Smith, Mathematics CoachGSSDReferences: Teachers guide created by the SHSU MELLGroup, November 2005, in collaboration with the TexasState University System and the Texas Education Agency.Suggested supports and Accommodations for EALstudents in Middle Years and Secondary Classrooms, CarolMcCullough, CALPLANGUAGE IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION: A D OUBLEJEOPARDY FOR SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERSKgomotso Gertrude Garegae University of [email protected] Works? ESL in the Mathematics Classroom.Research into practice. Ontario Education, July 2008,
  • 2. Solve the following Problem
  • 3. Mathematics is a language Math is a new language for all learners. There are many words that we use that have similar meanings in conversational English, like reduce or similar Some words have completely different meanings than they do in conversational English, like product, or function Some words are specific to mathematics: Numerator or exponent It usually takes an EAL learner more than one year to develop conversational language and five to seven years to develop sufficient academic language to learn in English Canadian students already struggle with the symbol rich language of mathematics, but have been exposed to some of the language; EAL learners are learning the language of instruction and the content simultaneously
  • 4. Variation in instructional strategies and topics Mathematics curriculum in other countries is sequenced in a different manner Calculation may be emphasized more than concept understanding, so they may be reluctant to show work Mathematics curriculum is not spiral in many countries, andstudents may understand number operations, but geometryconcepts may be new ideas to some students . Many EALLs have not seen or worked with manipulatives, and theymay not take the lesson seriously Estimating skills may not have been previously emphasized.
  • 5. Symbolism may be different Division can be a colon, they may use commas for decimals, etc. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/math/symbols/
  • 6. Vocabulary Biggest barrier for EAL students Need lots of opportunities to dialogue Use of visual accessible words in the classroom, such as a word wall Study of words; Frayer model, Venn diagrams Categorizing of words, concept attainment http://oame.on.ca/main/files/thinklit/FrayerModel.pdf
  • 7. Pre-teach and Reinforce Vocabulary
  • 8. Why do we stop word walls at Gr 8?
  • 9. Teach Vocabulary and concepts explicitly Concept Attainment Activities
  • 10. Concept Maps
  • 11. Classroom Support A classroom where students are free to discuss, debate, and collaborate supports English Language Learners Encourage students to relate word problems to their own experiences Use a buddy system, enlist the help of students
  • 12. Classroom Strategies Establish an emotionally safe where students feel comfortable taking risks Help students set realistic goals Involve students in decisions Make consistent classroom routines Focus on communication, not errors. Dont allow other students to correct errors Use clusters of desks, not rows, if possible Involve family in school experiences/learning Add colour coded learning supports Use models, gallery walks, concept maps Display student work
  • 13. Speak slowly and clearly, try to face students (some EALLs lip read) Model correct language, avoid slang Check for comprehension, restate when necessary Provide longer wait time when questioning Be encouraging Provide resources: texts, technology, manipulatives Highlight essential information Focus on pictures in textbook before text, allow students a partner to discuss text with, point to key phrases and read captions out loud. Help make connections between what they are learning and their own experiences Print rather than write, highlight key words
  • 14. Online interactive Maths Dictionary
  • 15. Adaptations for Assessment More Time Allow an EA to help interpret questions on assignments and exams Allow use of dictionary , Translating software