When we are working with EL students, we need to focus on the “what and the how” of communication. In previous posts, I mentioned examples of strategic changes to delivery, another focused on the message. Today I want to focus on the speaker. In an article titled Moving Towards an Interactive Approach, Stoller (1996) shares ways a teacher might want to reflect on the process of information transmission. Below is a list of questions one may want to reflect upon when working with an English Learner.
· Were my directions clear? Did the student(s) understand them?
· How can I reframe my questions, so they my learning goals are achieved?
· How can I give this child equal attention?
· What kind of nonverbal feedback am I giving the this student?
· Am I answering the questions of this student?
· Can I anticipate what this student will need to know before I deliver my lesson next time?
· Were my directions clear? Did the student(s) understand them?
· How can I reframe my questions, so they my learning goals are achieved?
· How can I give this child equal attention?
· What kind of nonverbal feedback am I giving the this student?
· Am I answering the questions of this student?
· Can I anticipate what this student will need to know before I deliver my lesson next time?