ERIC Number: EJ758695
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Mar
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-8555
EISSN: N/A
Science for ELLs: Rethinking Our Approach
Medina-Jerez, William; Clark, Douglas B.; Medina, Amelia; Ramirez-Marin, Frank
Science Teacher, v74 n3 p52-56 Mar 2007
A rich amount of research suggests that native-English speaking and linguistically diverse students are equally capable of learning scientific concepts and terminology through collaborative inquiry-based experiences. Yet, a full understanding of how to address English Language Learner (ELL) issues during science instruction and assessment will require further study. In this article, the authors look at possible issues in diverse classrooms and offer some ideas to provoke curiosity and confidence in ELL students. These ideas include: (1) Encourage group work; (2) Incorporate collaboration; (3) Explicitly teach new vocabulary; (4) Use alternative assessment; (5) Promote democratic classrooms; (6) Include the contributions of non-Western scientists; (7) Make sure preservice educators have diverse field experiences; (8) Use technology in the classroom; and (9) Encourage parent involvement.
Descriptors: Scientific Concepts, Science Instruction, Educational Technology, Parent Participation, Parent School Relationship, Field Experience Programs, Alternative Assessment, English (Second Language), Limited English Speaking, Student Diversity, Inquiry, Cooperative Learning, Group Activities, Vocabulary Development, Student Evaluation, Democratic Values, Classroom Environment, Preservice Teachers, Technology Integration, Bilingual Students, Secondary School Science
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A