How it works: Another strategy that repeats itself in both formal and informal suggestions for supporting English Language Learners is in the presence of modeled responses. As teachers assign written or spoken construction to assess student knowledge, they model what success looks or sounds like through examples. This may begin with sentence starters at the beginning of the year to help students learn how to word answers to academic prompts. For more advanced students, it may include sample essays or presentations analyzed as a class to help students understand how to make their essays and presentations of similar high quality.
Supporting English Language Learners: As students advance in their English language proficiency, Lopes-Murphy (2012) emphasizes need for teachers, “To model the type of language these learners are expected to acquire and produce” (p. 227). English Language Learners given expectations for use of academic vocabulary and grammatically correct sentences use the examples of modeling to meet these expectations. Modeled suggestions scaffold learning by allowing students to echo examples en route to constructing responses of their own. This allows them to meet high expectations and prepares them with the academic language required in future courses. How it addresses Universal Design for Learning: Modeling is a critical component of UDL checkpoint 5.3, building fluencies with graduated levels of support. All students gain through examples. Modeling helps students identify what teachers expect and gives nervous students the confidence that they are on the right track. It also supports goal-setting so that students can identify what they may achieve and work independently toward meeting these goals. |
Example of Use in Context: At the beginning of the school year, I can model by explicitly teaching students what I expect for the quality and content of academic work. This will take time away from other lessons but will significantly improve student work and confidence through the rest of the year. I can also demonstrate modeling when assigning larger writing assignments by sharing and analyzing an example from previous years. Throughout the year, I should work to demonstrate academic language and incorporate social studies vocabulary in every lesson.
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