Answer to Question #322609 in English for Mihla

Question

In South Africa as a subject at two levels namely. English as a home language level and English as a first additional language. When English is taught at the home language level, learners are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the language that is similar to that of the home language speakers of English yet the majority of learners especially those from the township and rural schools lack this knowledge. however, this does not suggest any mental or emotional deficit as research has found that these learners bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from their homes.

As an English teacher, how would you draw on their wealth of knowledge and experiences to support their learning of English in an effective and engaging manner..Discuss three strategies you would use

Answer 1

1. CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS AND BE CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE

A successful classroom, educators agree, is one in which students feel known, appreciated, and comfortable taking emotional and intellectual risks. That requires intentional planning and consistent messaging by the teacher. But creating a supportive environment is also about cultivating an appreciation of diversity—it’s critical that both the curriculum and the classroom environment honor and reflect the lives of the students.

2. TEACH LANGUAGE SKILLS ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

English language learners should not be learning the fundamentals of English in isolation; they should be applying their developing language skills to rich academic content in all subjects.

3. DIFFERENTIATE—AND USE MULTIPLE MODALITIES

All kids learn better when they engage with material in multiple ways: Lessons that involve writing, speaking, drawing, and listening, for example, give students four opportunities to deepen their understanding of the work. For ELLs, those additional engagements also provide a little breathing room so they can work through the language barrier