Reflection on Chapters 1-3
Teaching ELLs (English Language Learners) has always been something on my mind ever since considering a profession in teaching, a lot of which I learned through LLED 489B last semester. Something that was brought to my attention is how we validate our students’ understanding in classroom participation. Zwiers says that it is not enough to just correct what was said because it was phrased wrong even though the answer is correct, but that “we must create learning spaces for our diverse students so that they build from what they have and add the knowledges and language skills needed in future school and work” (12). Each student brings something different to the classroom, and for the most part, they are things that come from experiences at home or with their friends. The question is how do we value a student’s contribution in class and at the same time challenge the student in expanding his/her academic vocabulary.