Graduate-Level Credit / Non-Credit Hours
3 Semester Credits or 45 Clock Hours
Course Description
This course provides a survey into the major theories of language acquisition and their applications to the instruction and assessment of English language learners. Participants will learn strategies to support English language learners in regular education classrooms. Special emphasis will be given to differentiation of lesson plans and activities to promote vocabulary development and reading skills for the English language learner.
Global Goals of the Course
To deepen and/or apply the content and skills of the teacher’s existing professional knowledge base by meeting the following global goals of this course:
1. To develop an understanding of who English language learners are and the historical and political factors affecting English language development programs and instruction in the United States (NBPTS ENLS 1, 4; TESOL/NCATE 1; InTASC 9)
2. To analyze and apply brain-based and second language acquisition theoretical research to the education of English language learners. (NBPTS ENLS 1, 4; TESOL/NCATE 3; InTASC 1, 5)
3. To comprehend the process of second language development and develop an awareness of what to expect from students at the various levels of English language and literacy development. (NBPTS ENLS 1, 2; TESOL/NCATE 1; InTASC 1, 2 )
4. To understand and use major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the nature and role of culture and cultural groups to construct supportive learning environments for ESLs. (NBPTS ENLS 1, 3; TESOL/NCATE 2, 5; InTASC 2)
5. To understand the nature of English language learners, including how to create a comfortable and productive environment for them and how to create strong and positive teacher-student relationships. (NBPTS ENLS 6, 8; TESOL/NCATE 2; InTASC 2, 3)
6. To internalize and apply effective strategies for literacy and content area instruction that regular education teachers may utilize with English language learners. (NBPTS ENLS 6, 7; TESOL/NCATE 3; InTASC 4, 5)
7. To understand the assessment process regarding English language learners. (NBPTS ENLS 9, 10; TESOL/NCATE 4; InTASC 6, 7)
8. To identify and implement resources, through technology, to enhance and engage student language learning experiences. (NBPTS ENLS 6, 7; TESOL/NCATE 3; InTASC 7, 8; ISTE 1, 2, 3)
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