The lesson revolved around a problem involving weighing 5 things in pairs. I once observed an expert algebra teacher in a class where 1/3 of the students were ELLs. Seize opportunities to teach language in your mathematics class, incorporating language when it is meaningful.Talk moves like revoicing are one way to build on student ideas while guiding the talk toward a mathematical goal. Instead of asking “what did you get?” try asking “how did you solve that?” When they answer, engage with the mathematical content of what your ELLs say (rather than grammatical correctness). It is important to ask questions that engage ELLs in reasoning. Ask reasoning questions, listen to all of the ways your English Learners are communicating mathematically and build on student ideas when they do share.However, considerable research has shown that, with appropriate support, a) ELLs can engage in challenging, conceptually focused mathematics, and b) students who learn concepts and big ideas alongside skills and procedures are better at applying their knowledge. Sometimes, in the name of expedience, we teach routines and procedures for producing answers, and hope understanding of ideas will come later (I’ve done this before big tests).
Like all students, ELLs learn math best when they engage with and make sense of important mathematical ideas. Maintain a focus on mathematical concepts.This is not an exhaustive list, but I hope it gets you started. Making valid mathematical arguments is difficult for almost everybody, so how can a student who is learning English construct a viable mathematical argument? Below I describe 8 research-based suggestions for teaching Common Core math to ELLs. Many teachers of English Language Learners (ELLs) are concerned about the CCSSM practice standards. Zahner’s research examines how linguistically diverse students learn important mathematical concepts through engaging in discussions with peers and in whole-class settings: In addition, you might also be interested in two collections of previous columns from this blog:Īnd here’s one final resource I’d like to share: The Best Resources For Teaching Common Core Math To English Language Learners.īill Zahner is an assistant professor of mathematics education at San Diego State University. Thompson and I had on this topic at my BAM! Radio Show. You can also listen to a ten-minute conversation Ben, Gladis and Denisse R. Thompson, Maria Montalvo-Balbed, and Denise Huddlestun share their suggestions for how teachers can best handle this challenge. Today, educators Bill Zahner, Ben Spielberg, Gladis Kersaint, Denisse R. I can speak from experience in saying that Common Core has not made it any easier to teach English Language Learners in English classes, but that’s only part of it - Math teachers have to apply the Common Core math standards to ELLs in their classes, too. What are the best strategies for teaching Common Core math to English language learners?
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