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Techniques for Second Language Learners
When teachers establish rules and procedures to allow risk-taking and learning from mistakes, technology creates safe spaces for second language learners to develop knowledge and skills using both their first language and the language they are learning. To effectively manage technology use by second language learners. teachers can:
- Ask students to focus on the most important and essential concepts that are both challenging and appropriate to the students' interests and language abilities.
- Ask students to translate vocabulary words and definitions into the students' first languages, with appropriate help from resource teachers, instructional aids, or bilingual students.
- Select specfic Web sites or Web pages from each activity that are most appropriate to the students' second language reading levels.
- Make sure students understand the guiding questions and allow students to take notes in their first languages while exploring Web sites and translate later.
- Ask students to find additional Web sites in their first languages, and share and compare information from the sources with other students.
- Allow students to use translation Web sites.
- Provide additional computer time for second language learners and allow students enough time to complete each task in the second language.
- Ask second language teachers, instructional aides, or parents to provide any needed assistance to the students, such as navigating Web sites, taking notes, or completing tasks.
- Ask bilingual or non-second language students who are proficient with technology and work well with others to help second language learners complete tasks with a heavy language load.
- If students are proficient with technology, coach students in providing assistance to other students who need help using technology to complete tasks.
- Make sure second langauge learners participate when working in groups.
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