Paula Johnson

3 ELL Scaffolding Strategies – Podcast Episode 160 | Classnotes Podcast 160

Classnotes Podcast (February 16, 2016) Each content area in middle school and high school has its own vocabulary and language. So teachers working with English learners are balancing multiple instructional goals with each lesson. Using the sheltered instruction approach, teachers are able to integrate language and content instruction. And by scaffolding instruction, teachers promote a deeper level of learning. Paula Johnson, M.A., an IDRA education associate and former high school math teacher, shares three scaffolding strategies that teachers can use right away in their classrooms. Paula is interviewed by Sofia Bahena, Ed.D., IDRA senior education associate.

Show length: 14:16

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Resources

Three Teaching Strategies for Scaffolding Instruction for English Learners in the Content Classroom
By Paula Johnson, M.A., IDRA Newsletter
http://www.idra.org/resource-center/three-teaching-strategies/

Visual Interpretation in Science – Strategies for English Language Learners
By Paula Johnson, M.A., & Veronica Betancourt, M.A., IDRA Newsletter
http://www.idra.org/resource-center/visual-interpretation-in-science/

Science Instructional Strategies for English Learners
is a practical resource with seven research-based strategies for instruction of English learners in science with teaching learning premises, research support, essential teacher competencies, and steps for strategy implementation – along with a matrix of techniques for implementation.
http://www.idra.org/services_to_educator/science-instructional-strategies-english-learners/

Substantive Conversations in the Classroom- Download (PowerPoint)
http://substantiveconversationstpl.wikispaces.com/file/view/Substantive
%20Conversations%20in%20the%20Classroom.pptm/171338821/
Substantive%20Conversations%20in%20the%20Classroom.pptm

How’s a Picture Worth 1,000 Words in Math and Science? (PowerPoint)
By Paula Martin Johnson, M.A., IDRA
http://www.idra.org/images/stories/Hows_a_Picture_Worth_1000_Words.pdf

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Show Notes

  • Sofia asks Paula about her experience working with English learners during her years as a high school math teacher.

  • Paula talks about using Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) strategies to help students learn the language of the academic subject being taught.

  • Reflecting on her article in the January 2016 IDRA Newsletter, Paula identifies and describes three teaching strategies for scaffolding instruction for English learners in the classroom:

    For the first strategy - Authentic Learning Experiences - Paula explains why students need a “hook” into the lesson that’s realistic and immediately applicable to their everyday lives, rather than a contrived example.

    With the second strategy - Visual Literacy - Paula shares how teachers can give their students hands-on opportunities to practice interpreting and ascribing meaning to the graphs and diagrams they’re seeing, including the use of tools such as graphic organizers and interactive notetaking.

    And for the third strategy - Substantive Conversations - Paula discusses why English learners need to practice writing, reading, listening, and speaking projects on a daily basis.

  • Paula also talks about a bonus teaching strategy - Building Academic Vocabulary - which incorporates a Total Physical Response approach that combines vocabulary with physical movement.

  • Paula says these teaching strategies can be applied with English learners at any grade level.