A delicate balance: Enhancing literature instruction for students of English as a second Language

A synthesis and discussion of Robert T . Jimenez 's

article A delicate balance

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The challenge for every ESL class teacher is to build literacy , develop written expression ability and enhancing English language of students The article describes effective reading instruction for ESL students based on observations conducted in various classrooms over a period of two years . The approach to the observation and the framework for analysis were based on (a ) the research on second language learning and bilingual education (b ) the contemporary research base

on effective literacy instruction , and (c ) general principles of effective instruction for low-income students . The researchers integrated these three knowledge bases with what they observed in the classrooms and the result is a framework of constructs for effective instruction for language minority students . This construct consists of the following challenge , involvement , involvement , success , scaffolding /cognitive strategies , mediation /feedback , collaborative /cooperative learning techniques for second language acquisition /sheltered English , and respect for cultural diversity

These constructs , according to the researchers , are useful when considering practices and strategies in teaching and promoting literacy among ESL students . For instance , knowledge on scaffolding when introducing new vocabulary to ESL students would increase retention and subsequent use of these new words . Instead of simply defining a word the teacher could use several of the techniques mentioned in the article like focusing students ' attention on character clues and using these clues not just in understanding the new word but comprehension of the text , too . The variety would make vocabulary learning an enjoyable experience for students . Another example by which the research could be applied and make a difference in real-life teaching is the idea that the teacher should try to incorporate all areas of literacy instruction while using one text lesson . The article indicates that the teacher should crisscross the instructional landscape in a wide range of oral and written activities . This would ensure that students not only thoroughly practice their language and literacy skills , but keeping the focus on one text would increase the chance of retention...