ESOL Best Strategies and Practices for Adult Learners Erika M. Rivera, MA, EdS ESL Instructor Email: erivera@columbus.k12.oh.us

About the Presenter Born and raised in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Mother of three teenagers and a beautiful English Bulldog Loves sports, music, food and watching movies. ESL K-12 Teacher for 17 years Currently an ESL K-5 teacher at Cesar Chavez College Preparatory School and ESL Instructor with Columbus City Public Schools. Life-long English Language Learner

Focus Questions for this section What are some of the challenges our Adult Learners Face and how to identify them in our classrooms? What are some of some factors that affect second language acquisition. How does Stephen Krashens’ theory influence second language acquisition.

Understanding Challenges of the Adult Learner What can you observe from these pictures?

What can help educators begin to understand the challenges they face What can help educators begin to understand the challenges they face? Have a checklist to examine your students journey… Example below Students Name 1. Country of Origin 2. Reasons for coming to the U.S. 3.Age at which the person emigrated 4. Financial resources 5. Difficulties in the journey 6.Immigration status 7.Education and level of literacy in the first language 8.Exent of family separation 9. Why do they want to learn English

Factors that affect second language acquisition Motivation Age Access to the language Personality First language development Quality of instruction Cognitive ability

Krashen's (1993)theory of second language acquisition consists of these main hypotheses: Acquisition-Learning hypothesis-Silent Period, able to take language in, but not produce it. Monitor hypothesis-balance between encouraging accuracy and fluency  Natural Order hypothesis-Natural process Input hypothesis-Formal learning- I + 1 ( prior knowledge with new knowledge) Affective Filter hypothesis-Welcoming and stress free environment for learning

Share your answer and why you picked that hypotheses. Look at the cartoon and decide which of Krashen's Hypotheses apply to this student. Share your answer and why you picked that hypotheses.

Done with the theory, lets put all of this into practice… Focus Questions for this section What does an ELL Adult Learner Lesson look like? What strategies and practices instructor should use to keep the students engaged and accountable for their learning?

My success is based on two teaching principles: 1. The Art of teaching: How to deliver and engage students in your lesson? 2. The Psychology of teaching: This is knowing your students and how to engage them through who they are. How to get them to do their work, share and participate.

My successes using these principles Attendance: Consistent through out the course. -Communication: Weekly I would send text and emails -Commitment- Goals were set, most of students bought their own books. Curriculum -Completion of all 12 units of course required textbook by the end of the year. Include a scope and sequence of the curriculum in your syllabus. Review of the unit before test. Mastery of 80% on every unit test. Integrated Approach Curriculum Textbook friendly. Engagement Active participation among 70% of students. Correction survey beginning of each semester.

General Teaching Strategies used in my lessons Active Learning, engages learners in the learning process ( Handelsman,2007) Collaborative Learning, work together in small groups ( student interactions) Cooperative Learning: Structured form of group work.

ELL Strategies Checklist.pdf Summary of ELL Strategies I use most of these specific strategies oriented for an English Language Learners Click Below ELL Strategies Checklist.pdf

Integrated Approach ( SM Glazer, EM Burke , 1994) Lesson Example All modes of communication (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing) are included in the lesson. Lesson depends on identifying the competencies function, grammar, vocabulary, Skills and Cultural Competencies (proficiency for a specific purpose.)

Activity Examples What’s in the box? Reach inside with out looking and describe. Sentence Starters/Strips: Color coded part of speech sticky notes: Every color is a part of speech to construct new sentences. TPR with Lego Blocks: Prepositions Comic Strips: http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/ESOL/ESOL-Comix-Strip-Starters/ Movie Clips about immigration to the U.S. https://film.avclub.com/coming-to-america- 19-movies-about-u-s-immigration-1798257916