Rinebarger 1
Creating an encouraging, positive learning environment for all of my students is my
main goal as a future educator. In order to create an encouraging learning environment, I
must remember that not all students are at the same level for all subjects, including language.
English language learners (ELLs) can be a challenge for teachers if they do not know how to
effectively communicate their instruction to them. By knowing who Arizonas ELL students
are, mastering quality learning strategies, and understanding the characteristics of a sheltered
English immersion classroom and using some of the same techniques in my own classroom, I
will maintain an educational environment where all students are given the opportunity to
succeed.
Sheltered English immersion (SEI) refers to self-contained grade-level classrooms for
English language learners with teachers who are trained and certified to provide language and
content instruction for ELL students. The classroom teacher provides daily ESL instruction
and sheltered content-area instruction. Even though all instruction is in English, teachers
sometimes use students primary language as support to help make English instruction more
comprehensible. Sheltered English immersion is the mandated program in Arizona. A highquality SEI program includes direct, systematic English as a second language (ESL) daily
instruction, sheltered content-area instruction, and primary language support. If the classroom
teacher is not certified to work with ELLs or fails to provide ESL and sheltered instruction,
then the classroom is not a true SEI classroom. In order to judge whether or not a classroom
is a true SEI classroom, there are many other aspects to look at as well. For example,
textbooks, materials, in-class assignments, and homework should not be identical to those
used in mainstream classrooms. Also, there should be time set aside every day for ESL
instruction and the content-area lessons should contain both language and content objectives.
If any of these things are not true, the SEI classroom is actually a submersion classroom
and is in violation of federal law. Having a true SEI classroom benefits students both shortterm and long-term. In order to make sure my future classroom is a positive learning
environment for English language learners, I will receive training to work with ELLs,
provide lessons that have both language and content objectives, and use teaching techniques
like assignment modification and physical cues while continually checking for understanding
from my students. By using multiple learning strategies and techniques I will be able to better
the learning of all students in my classroom, not just the ELLs.
Using effective learning strategies is a way I will help all of my students succeed in
the classroom. There are many different teaching strategies I can use to make my instruction
understandable to all students while giving ELLs enough time to process the information at
their own pace. By using the total physical response strategy, I will have students use
personal whiteboards where they can write their answers to questions and hold them up when
they are finished. This gives enough time for ELLs or slower learners to think about the
question before being called on for the answer. I will also use listening centers in my
classroom where students can listen to recordings of books and follow along with their own
copies. Listening centers provide a space in the classroom where students can receive
comprehensible input in a low-stress environment. Since interaction is crucial for second
language acquisition, I will use cooperative learning to help ELLs develop their oral English
skills to accomplish tasks. Cooperative learning refers to student collaboration in pairs or
small groups to solve a problem, complete a specific task, or complete a project. Cooperative
learning is most effective when the task is made clear and each student is given a clearly
defined role. Because students have to talk and listen to each other to accomplish the task,
ELLs may feel more comfortable speaking with their peers in small groups than if they were
called on to speak in front of the whole class. I will use cooperative learning for multiple
projects and assignments because the hands-on learning provides context and visual support
Rinebarger 2
to make the language more comprehensible. Instead of ELLs struggling with doing projects
on their own, cooperative learning provides an enjoyable, interactive learning experience
they benefit from both academically and socially. Although there are many other useful
strategies when it pertains to teaching English language learners, I chose to focus on the
previously stated ones because they seemed the most beneficial to all students. I know I will
use these, plus many more teaching strategies in my future classroom because of the high
population of ELLs in Arizona and the increasing amount of ELL students in schools.
Arizona is in the top five states for the highest concentration of ELL students. Fifteen
percent of students in Arizona are English language learners, which means over 150,000 ELL
students are enrolled Pre-K-12. The top five languages or language groups spoken by ELLs
in Arizona are Spanish, Navajo, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Russian. Approximately 80% of
Arizonas ELLs are Spanish speakers. Even within the large group of Spanish-speaking
ELLs, there is great diversity. Spanish is an official language in countries in Europe, the
Caribbean, and South America, and is widely spoken as a second language in many other
countries throughout the world. The remaining 20% of Arizonas ELLs represent over 400
different language groups. As a future educator, I need to be aware of these differences in
language and not assume two students speak the same language just because they are from
the same country. By being aware of the diversity in Arizonas ELL students, I will prevent
any misconceptions about my future students, therefore providing them with a safe,
understanding learning environment.
As an Arizona educator, being aware of English language learners has to be a
priority. Since ELLs make up a significant amount of student population, they must be
accounted for in every classroom lesson and student assignment if they are enrolled in the
class. Using appropriate learning strategies that are also used in SEI classrooms will be a
huge support to ELL students and will help me to create an encouraging, positive
environment where every student has the opportunity learn, regardless of their background.
