References:
Echevarria, J., Vogt, M., & Short, D. J. (2004). Making content comprehensible for English
learners: The SIOP Model (2nd ed.). Needham Heights, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.
“Best practice indicates that English learners benefit from opportunities to clarify concepts in their native language (L1). Although sheltered instruction involves teaching subject-matter material in English, students are given the opportunity to have a concept or assignment explained in their L1 as needed” (Echevarria, Vogt, & Short, 2004). One significant positive of using L1 to clarify concepts is that it has the possibility to provide the student with clearer understanding. When a student is struggling with a concept in English, it may help to have the notion clarified in their own language, so the student can understand the concept better in the ESL program. However, a con would be that this approach of translation is taken hap-hazardless, and rather than using alternative means of clarifying in the English language to develop vocabulary, the student is given the “crutch” of a translator which they rely on almost instinctively, rather than developing a core concept of the English language on their own. Another con would be the fact that the English language has one of the most rich and diverse vocabulary. Many times, translating can mean a loss of information that could potentially be valuable to the interpretation of the text or to develop vocabulary. “Significant controversy surrounds the use of L1 for instructional purposes, but Echevarria, Vogt, & Short (2004) believe that clarification of key concepts in students’ L1 by a bilingual instructional aide, peer, or through the use of materials written in the students’ L1 provides an important support for the academic learning of those students who are not yet fully proficient in English” (Echevarria, Vogt, & Short, 2004).
References: Echevarria, J., Vogt, M., & Short, D. J. (2004). Making content comprehensible for English learners: The SIOP Model (2nd ed.). Needham Heights, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.
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Lindsey PietrocolaSince 2010, I've been incorporating technology (in some form or another) into a classroom as a teacher. Archives
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