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ELL Testing Evaluation Assignment 1.1 Language Summary

Evaluating testing for ELL students. Schultz course towards ESOL endorsement

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jennifer.knight
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10 views

ELL Testing Evaluation Assignment 1.1 Language Summary

Evaluating testing for ELL students. Schultz course towards ESOL endorsement

Uploaded by

jennifer.knight
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Language Summary

Language acquisition is how we learn to speak and understand a language.


There are two types of language acquisition which are first and second
language acquisition.
In regards to first language acquisition, it is defined as the process of
learning the language we hear from our parents when we are infants. This
usually occurs between the ages of birth to age three. This is a very natural
process as we are learning the language naturally by listening to our parents
and we imitating their words and actions. An example of first language
acquisition would be when a baby hears the word “Dada” and then will say it
when they see their dad.
In regards to second language acquisition, it is defined as when someone
learns another language after they have already learned their first language.
This can truly occur at any age, but often will start at school. The learning
process of second language acquisition can be more challenging as learning
usually have to study vocabulary and grammar. An example of second
language acquisition could be when a child speaks Spanish at home, but will
start to learn English at school.
When comparing the two, emotional connection seems to play a role more in
the first language acquisition because it is your native language, whereas,
the second language may have a lesser connection to your emotions.
Another comparison is that in terms of vocabulary, first language is rapid in
the early years as you are imitating what you are around and learning versus
the second language where the pace is slower and you need more practice.
First language seems to be more instinctive whereas the second, needs to be
more explicitly taught!
The differences talked about above, impact a classroom with English
Language Learners in the following ways: ELL students struggle with learning
English in school because it is being taught in a formal way, unlike the first
language. It also could have an affect on their confidence, as these students
often feel anxious and shy when speaking because they are not as
comfortable as they are with their first language. Another impact might be
participation, which supports making friends, interactions with peers, etc.
These students are still developing their vocabulary and understanding so
they will steer clear of discussion and participation in class.
When addressing second language acquisition issues in the classroom, I
would address them in the following ways: Use Visuals and incorporate
pictures and charts, that will help ELLs understand new words and concepts
you will be using in your classroom. Another way I would address this would
be to pair ELL students with classmates who can help them practice
speaking and understanding English. I would use group activities where
everyone has a role. Additionally, I would implement a daily Writing Practice
activity where it would give ELL students the opportunity to write something
every day. I would give them a structured sentence and allow them to draw
or use their first language if needed to show their message.

References:
Deussen, T. et al. (2008) WHAT TEACHERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
INSTRUCTION FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS.

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