Week 1_ Gibbons 1 & 2

I learned a lot of great information from the first two chapters of the Gibbons text. Chapter one taught me the importance of context and how it relates to language in general as well as the processes and struggles ESL students go through to adapt to a new language with a new set of rules for communicating within an implied/ expected context. There is a difference between being formally taught a language in school where the emphasis is on rules and grammar, to a social setting with close friends, or a professional business setting. The context is important to consider because certain behaviors and modifications of language are used depending on the setting and these rules are generally understood by both the speaker and the listener. I think this is important to keep in mind as a teacher because although an ESL student may be showing promise and confidence in the classroom, that doesn’t mean they are prepared or feel comfortable speaking in other situations where they are unsure of the context and its appropriate behavior. I have yet to encounter an ESL student in any of my placements but I knowing this will prepare me for my future encounters.

Another thing I learned from chapter one was the importance of scaffolding. Scaffolding is a term that deals with the amount of help a teacher or parent should give a student while they are learning to do something. Scaffolding is important in the situation noted above dealing with context, because by providing firm support while teaching an ESL student early on about how to interact with the context of the conversation in mind, eventually they will see what is acceptable and what is not. Modeling is a great tool that is used when one is learning language because by observing how one acts in certain settings and what form of language is used is a great way to learn. As teachers it is important for us to keep running records of our students so we can gauge progress and know where they are at in their learning. Running records and assessments can play a big role in scaffolding so the right amount of support is given until eventually, no help is needed and the student can do the work independently.

An important point I learned from chapter two is the importance group work has in helping ESL students. In group settings, the student is encouraged to share ideas with his or her peers and it is in an open environment where any opinions can be shared. Small groups provide a sense of security where an ESL student might feel more comfortable sharing unlike in a whole group situation and they are also a great place for an ESL student to experience language and see how it is spoken in the particular context. From my experiences thus far, I can see how beneficial group work can be, if it is done right, so I can imagine that it would be a successful way to help ESL students learn the English language.

These first two chapters were especially helpful to me because I have not yet had the privilege to work with an ESL student, but now I feel that I am better informed on ways to help them succeed in the English language. I know the importance of scaffolding and using group work as more than a collaboration tool, but also as a way to strengthen language.