Writing Instruction:
As a student in elementary and
secondary schools, the view in which instruction focused seemed to be scaffolding.
The lessons were focused on specific tasks and contexts, which are needed to
engage learners (Gibbons, P. 2002. p.10-11).
When I think of my studies in foreign language, both in the U.S. and abroad,
there was much scaffolding. This presented a practical use in providing clear
instruction for a portion of understanding. My instructors also offered
contexts in which to write as well as opportunities to practice and review past
concepts. We were eventually given more freedom to write complete, independently
written pieces, but only after each small portion of the unit content had been
nibbled upon individually. In retrospect, I think this approach
gave me confidence in my new language in the same way a baby takes his first
few steps on his new legs with encouragement from a parent.
Source: Gibbons, P. (2002). Scaffolding language, scaffolding learning: Teaching second language learners in the mainstream classroom. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Source: Gibbons, P. (2002). Scaffolding language, scaffolding learning: Teaching second language learners in the mainstream classroom. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteWhere did you study abroad? I found your philosophy and background experience with foreign languages interesting. When I was assigned a paper to write in my one class of Spanish in college, panic set in because I knew basic terms and vocabulary, but I was just starting to learn how to form verbs and tense. I went to a Spanish tutor to help look over that part and make sure I wrote the words in the correct order. I love your blog's background and formatting.
Deni
Hi Deni,
ReplyDeleteI studied in Quretaro, Mexico. I do recall a period during my immersion program where piecing together subjects and verbs as well as syntax were very choppy as well. Somewhere in the middle of the program, I began to express myself more fluidly in the new language. In many ways, the students new to your sister's classroom are in the same situation. Since they are so new to the country, the language may be a bit daunting. This is where you and I can understand that same feeling of finding our way through a new-found language. We should all take time to understand how although our ELL students may not be able to fully express themselves in our classrooms, they may still be very capable of understanding our instruction.
Thanks for reading and sharing!
-Mike