Participants will develop an increased awareness of the need both nationally and locally to meet the need of ESL students, based on data and research. They will examine ESL standards in their particular state, as well as instructional shifts from traditional approaches to alternative approaches, particularly through the use of technology. They will learn to foster academic interactions, specifically academic conversation skills. They will practice technology usage and create definite plans to incorporate specific tools into ESL lessons to create and increase authentic opportunities for students to interact in meaningful ways.
Key deliverables include: written responses reflecting participants’ analysis of ESL demographic data, current ESL state standards, and instructional practices; practice of, and reflection about, constructive academic conversations and technology tools in the classroom, specifically to promote ESL mastery; creating a lesson plan that incorporates learning into classroom practices; course summary with practical application and reflection. Key activities include reading, watching videos, researching, reflecting, analyzing, and planning.
