Standard 2.5 Differentiation
Candidates model and facilitate the design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences making appropriate use of differentiation, including adjusting content, process, product, and learning environment based upon an analysis of learner characteristics, including readiness levels, interests, and personal goals. (PSC 2.5/ISTE 2e)
Artifact: ELL Lesson
Reflection:
This artifact is the ELL Lesson I did with one of my 4th grade ELL students in ITEC 7430. This particular student moved from Venezuela to the United States not long before Christmas, and she spoke zero English. I had students on all different levels that year, but I really needed to do a lot of individualized instruction with her so that she could begin learning the language. I also had several students in my class who spoke Spanish, and they were able to translate which helped a lot. Differentiating my lessons to meet this student's needs was crucial, and as a result, this artifact shows mastery of Standard 2.5 - Differentiation - which states that "candidates model and facilitate the design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences making appropriate use of differentiation, including adjusting content, process, product, and learning environment based upon an analysis of learner characteristics, including readiness levels, interests, and personal goals."
Based on this student's ACCESS test scores, she was required to take the math and science sections of the Georgia Milestone test coming up that spring, so I knew that working with her on math and science vocabulary words was going to be crucial for her success on these tests. As a result, I modeled and facilitated the design and implementation of multiple technology-enhanced learning experiences for this student. I specifically focused on a program called Quizlet, which allowed her to create her own flashcards of the vocabulary words that she needed to learn. In addition, I utilized a reading program called Raz Kids, which has a wide variety of online books plus comprehension tests for students to complete. As students complete the books on their current reading level, they are then able to move up to the next level.
These technology-enhanced learning experiences allowed me to use a wide variety of differentiation strategies with this student. First, I adjusted the content for this student because I had to go back to the basics. Most students come to 4th grade with those basic math vocabulary words such as addition and multiplication already mastered, but this student did not know English at all. Using Quizlet flashcards allowed her to really practice these vocabulary words and match them with pictures that represented each word. I worked with her one on one to create these flashcards. I would type the word and then I would help her find a corresponding picture that she recognized to pair with the word.
Next, I adjusted the process as I worked with this student. Whole group instruction was not effective for her due to the language barrier. As a result, I made it a point to work with her one-on-one. Due to the inability of the two of us to communicate perfectly together in English or Spanish, I would always have Google Translate pulled up when working with her, and I used it to give her directions if she was unable to understand what I was saying. In addition, Raz Kids is a very self-directed program, and therefore, it allowed her to work at her own pace. Finally, I made sure that I used lots of visuals while working with her. These visuals allowed her to make connections to the English words she was learning.
As I planned these activities, I analyzed my student's characteristics as a learner. Regarding her readiness level, she was very eager to learn the English language. She was a very smart student, and she picked up on things very quickly. As a result, I was able to move somewhat fast through some of the vocabulary words we worked on. Finally, her personal goals centered around learning English. She wanted to be able to understand what her classmates were saying, and as a result, she was very motivated to study hard.
Through completing this activity with this student, I learned how effectively various technology programs can be used to differentiate instruction for English Language Learners. Quizlet was so amazing for this student because it was so visual, and it allowed her to access these flashcards at home to practice as well. Raz Kids was also an amazing resource for her. I was not familiar with this program prior to working with this student. The ESOL teacher who co-taught my reading classes with me introduced the program to me and helped me get this student signed up with an account. She absolutely loved it!! There were so many books for her to read, and it really helped her practice her English since each book had a read aloud component and a comprehension test. If I ever had the opportunity to do something like this again, I would find some tool with a recording component so that she could record herself speaking English so that she could listen to it back. There are programs such as Audacity or Vocaroo that would be perfect for this type of thing.
The work that went into creating this artifact improved student learning because it helped a fourth grader begin to learn and master the English language. The activities that this fourth grade student did were fun and engaging for her, and as a result, it made learning fun for her. Learning another language is a difficult and tedious process, so adding in some fun ways to learn the English vocabulary words are a necessity.
This artifact is the ELL Lesson I did with one of my 4th grade ELL students in ITEC 7430. This particular student moved from Venezuela to the United States not long before Christmas, and she spoke zero English. I had students on all different levels that year, but I really needed to do a lot of individualized instruction with her so that she could begin learning the language. I also had several students in my class who spoke Spanish, and they were able to translate which helped a lot. Differentiating my lessons to meet this student's needs was crucial, and as a result, this artifact shows mastery of Standard 2.5 - Differentiation - which states that "candidates model and facilitate the design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences making appropriate use of differentiation, including adjusting content, process, product, and learning environment based upon an analysis of learner characteristics, including readiness levels, interests, and personal goals."
Based on this student's ACCESS test scores, she was required to take the math and science sections of the Georgia Milestone test coming up that spring, so I knew that working with her on math and science vocabulary words was going to be crucial for her success on these tests. As a result, I modeled and facilitated the design and implementation of multiple technology-enhanced learning experiences for this student. I specifically focused on a program called Quizlet, which allowed her to create her own flashcards of the vocabulary words that she needed to learn. In addition, I utilized a reading program called Raz Kids, which has a wide variety of online books plus comprehension tests for students to complete. As students complete the books on their current reading level, they are then able to move up to the next level.
These technology-enhanced learning experiences allowed me to use a wide variety of differentiation strategies with this student. First, I adjusted the content for this student because I had to go back to the basics. Most students come to 4th grade with those basic math vocabulary words such as addition and multiplication already mastered, but this student did not know English at all. Using Quizlet flashcards allowed her to really practice these vocabulary words and match them with pictures that represented each word. I worked with her one on one to create these flashcards. I would type the word and then I would help her find a corresponding picture that she recognized to pair with the word.
Next, I adjusted the process as I worked with this student. Whole group instruction was not effective for her due to the language barrier. As a result, I made it a point to work with her one-on-one. Due to the inability of the two of us to communicate perfectly together in English or Spanish, I would always have Google Translate pulled up when working with her, and I used it to give her directions if she was unable to understand what I was saying. In addition, Raz Kids is a very self-directed program, and therefore, it allowed her to work at her own pace. Finally, I made sure that I used lots of visuals while working with her. These visuals allowed her to make connections to the English words she was learning.
As I planned these activities, I analyzed my student's characteristics as a learner. Regarding her readiness level, she was very eager to learn the English language. She was a very smart student, and she picked up on things very quickly. As a result, I was able to move somewhat fast through some of the vocabulary words we worked on. Finally, her personal goals centered around learning English. She wanted to be able to understand what her classmates were saying, and as a result, she was very motivated to study hard.
Through completing this activity with this student, I learned how effectively various technology programs can be used to differentiate instruction for English Language Learners. Quizlet was so amazing for this student because it was so visual, and it allowed her to access these flashcards at home to practice as well. Raz Kids was also an amazing resource for her. I was not familiar with this program prior to working with this student. The ESOL teacher who co-taught my reading classes with me introduced the program to me and helped me get this student signed up with an account. She absolutely loved it!! There were so many books for her to read, and it really helped her practice her English since each book had a read aloud component and a comprehension test. If I ever had the opportunity to do something like this again, I would find some tool with a recording component so that she could record herself speaking English so that she could listen to it back. There are programs such as Audacity or Vocaroo that would be perfect for this type of thing.
The work that went into creating this artifact improved student learning because it helped a fourth grader begin to learn and master the English language. The activities that this fourth grade student did were fun and engaging for her, and as a result, it made learning fun for her. Learning another language is a difficult and tedious process, so adding in some fun ways to learn the English vocabulary words are a necessity.