The majority of the 5.5 million English Language Learners (ELLs) in the U.S. public school system speak Spanish as their first language, which makes the capability of teaching math in Spanish, using bilingual teachers or teaching assistants, a high priority. Many of these students may have difficulty learning effectively in English and require specialized or modified instruction, either from their teacher or a Spanish online math program. Here are six strategies to help ELLs succeed in math:
1. Utilize Bilingual Faculty and Support Staff
There is evidence that Spanish-speaking teachers, or ancillary staff who speak Spanish, can help ELLs to build math skills as they build vocabulary in both English and mathematics. “The Inclusive Classroom, Teaching Mathematics and Science to English-Language Learners” supports the idea that when students use their native language in the classroom to work with their peers or individually, their academic performance as well as English-language development improves. Additionally, skills in content areas like mathematics and social studies, once understood in the first language, are retained when instruction shifts to the second language.
2. Set High Expectations and Utilize Rigorous Curriculum
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) recommends teaching a rigorous, standards-based curriculum and never lowering expectations for ELLs even though additional time and instruction will likely be required. They also suggest that students are best equipped to meet and exceed math expectations when they are provided with abundant and diverse opportunities for speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Also, teachers should encourage their ELL students to take intellectual risks, construct meaning of math concepts, and seek reinterpretations of knowledge within compatible social contexts to make better sense of mathematical ideas.
3. Use Visual Contexts and Manipulatives
Visual math manipulatives provide students with limited English proficiency with ways to construct physical models of abstract mathematical ideas. Multiple modalities are effective in promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Virtual manipulatives have the added advantage of enabling new types of engagement and promoting self-directed learning in a highly interactive, digital environment.
4. Implement Personalized, Individualized, and Blended Models
Combining face-to-face instruction with online learning has yielded strong results as an education strategy. When education technology uses pedagogically sound approaches and curriculum materials, it can increase the individualization of each student’s learning experience. Technology support also allows teachers to expand and more strategically use the limited time they have as facilitators of math learning for ELLs. This powerful approach can be leveraged to create the additional time required to meet ELL needs.
For schools that are trying to meet the needs of all ELLs with limited time and resources, an investment in technology, particularly adaptive technology, can enable a more personalized blended learning model that meets the needs of all students.
5. Use Balanced and Dynamic Assessment
NCTM suggests that a best practice for ELLs in math is empowering them to demonstrate and explain their understanding in multiple ways. Latino ELLs often have an incomplete grasp of academic math language, so traditional tests aren’t able to provide a complete view of each student’s understanding of math concepts. ELLs commonly know more math than they can demonstrate on traditional assessment instruments.
For example, Research has shown that math test items can be linguistically modified to reduce language load without altering the construct being assessed. In a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, linguistic modifications produced an improvement on math tests among ELLs, while English-proficient (EP) scores remained the same.
6. Increase Engagement and Motivation
Making curriculum engaging and accessible to all students is key. One way to improve engagement is to drive greater oral participation for ELLs in math classes. Improved verbal communication in mathematics is not only a way to demonstrate conceptual understanding, it also has the additional benefit of promoting language-learning overall.
Using game-like activities, in class as well as online, is another great way to engage ELLs and English Proficient Students alike, and can aid in developing problem-solving skills and persistence. The most effective math games reward students for both achievement and effort. This is particularly true when trying to level the playing field for ELLs struggling with language.
As English Language Learners work to strengthen their academic skills, they are also working to strengthen their English Language skills! Finding strategies to support students as they embark on their personal language and academic journeys can help inspire new confidence and offer encouragement for these students.
