This week was focused on the SIOP model and how it helps the teacher teach the content effectively while still being able to develop the students' language ability. With the rise of immigrants coming from non-English speaking countries, there is a higher demand for those who are qualified to teach English Language Learners. Even if a teacher is not specifically qualified to teach in that area, I feel the SIOP model is an effective tool that can be used by any type of teacher with or without ELLs.
A few reasons why the SIOP Model was created:
Most teachers are not being provided a proper education in their undergraduate studies, so when confronted with needing to teach students in need of learning English, more than likely there is going to be mismatches on perception of material because that teacher is unaware of how to meet their developmental needs in learning a second language. There is also a low supply of qualified teachers for the high demand of the learners. Many schools hire less qualified teachers, use substitutes, cancel courses, or ask teachers to teach outside their field of preparation in order to compensate for the demand.
There have also been changes in the instructional practices of teaching English. The first approaches used were the Direct Method and the Grammar Translation Approach later changing into the Audio-Lingual Method. The 1970's had introduced the Communicative Approach to ESL programs which since then has dominated this field of education. From these approaches the SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) Model was developed.
The SIOP Model provides a way to help teachers enhance and expand their instructional practice through 30 item which are broken into 3 main sections, each having sub-sections.
Since Michelle and I are presenting on this information this week, I am not putting all the juicy details in my blog this week, but will definitely talk about them in our presentation.
Adriene-
ReplyDeleteI agree that the SIOP model could be used by any teacher with or without ELL's in their classroom. While I was reading the two chapters I was thinking that the one teacher who kept getting 4's had a really good teaching technique that not only helped her ELL's but also her other students. I almost felt some of it was common sense. it will be interesting to see your presentation.
Adriene,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about the SIOP model this week, because I felt like it really made explicit the ways in which teachers can reach ELLs. Good luck with your presentation tomorrow!