A middle school social studies class includes several English language learners. Before beginning a new content unit, the social studies teacher works with the ESL teacher to informally assess the English language learners' knowledge of key vocabulary and prerequisite concepts related to the unit and then preteach key information as needed. During the unit, the ESL teacher often conducts prereading activities with the English language learners before key reading assignments while the content teacher has all students engage in postreading, small-group discussions of the assigned readings. Throughout the unit, the English language learners maintain individual dialogue journals with the teachers about unit content. These activities benefit the English language learners' English language development primarily by:
  1. Exposing them to structured models of academic discourse.
  2. Helping them comprehend and use language at a higher level than they would without scaffolding.
  3. Promoting their development of oracy within an academic setting.
  4. Enhancing their ability to self-edit their writing and self-monitor their oral production in group discussions.
Explanation
Correct Response: B. Preteaching key vocabulary and prerequisite concepts based on students' needs and engaging students in pre- and postreading activities are research-based best practices that scaffold English language learners' understanding of new content by supporting their academic language development related to a given unit. Research also suggests that oral- and written-language activities, such as the postreading discussions and the dialogue journal activity described in this scenario, play an important role in building and reinforcing academic language. A is incorrect because the scenario does not state or imply that the teachers provided structured models of academic discourse during the unit. C is incorrect because, while some of the activities may support the students' development of oracy, the goal of the activities is content development through integrated use of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. D is incorrect because the scenario does not suggest that a primary focus of the unit is to promote self-monitoring skills.
Was this helpful? Upvote!
Login to contribute your own answer or details

Top questions

Related questions

Most popular on PracticeQuiz