Presentation Title:
Leveraging the Assets of Your Secondary SLIFE and Newcomers
Presentation Options: Onsite
Presentation Strand: ELs
Presentation Delivery Language: English
Description:
Global displacement is at an all-time high (UNHCR 2023) so it stands to reason that we will continue to welcome higher numbers of newcomers. Understandably, educators may have concerns about serving older students that are new to the language of instruction or new to formal education. But research shows that these students experience significant gains when held in high regard. When teachers leverage the assets of newcomers, we have more engagement, facilitate more language acquisition, and close gaps faster. This session will offer practical ideas for taking an asset-based approach with our newest multilingual learners.
Abstract:
Numerous factors, such as the level of literacy and educational background, affect the chances of success for new-arrival learners (August & Shanahan, 2006). According to Yzquierdo (2017), these language learners must acquire grade-level content, a new language, and the cultural norms of their new learning environments. Secondary schools present additional difficulties for students with limited formal education or literacy (Browder, 2014). Promising trends in our field include teaching that is culturally responsive (Hammond, 2015) and having the attitude that newcomers are assets to the learning community (Echevarria et al., 2017; Echevarria & Nora, 2016; Gonzalez & Miller, 2020; Salva & Matis, 2017; Snyder & Fenner, 2021). Low expectations from teachers and students themselves can both have a negative impact on student's academic performance (Echevarria & Nora, 2016; Dweck, 2010) and overall well-being. This session will not only cover the latest research but will model practical strategies that have been proven effective in language learning and content area classrooms. Participants walk away with techniques that help us capitalize on the diversity of our students, see them as important additions to our classrooms, and that can be implemented right away.
Presentation Types: Academic-50m
Target Audience: K - 16
Primary Presenter's Telephone: 8327889478
Confirm your Participation: Yes I will present
