Approaches to Instruction for English Learners

In this course, participants will increase their understanding of sheltered instruction practices as they work to effectively integrate language and content instruction for EL students. Three modules focus on learning about effective approaches and how to apply these instructional techniques in their classrooms, sharing evidence and providing ample opportunities for reflecting on learning throughout the course. The content and framework for this online course is based on decades of research by the Center for Applied Linguistics and extensive experience working with educators.

Each module begins with a warm-up activity and includes a narrated PowerPoint presentation and readings. Throughout the course, participants have opportunities to reflect upon and practice new learning, self-assess through quizzes; view real-world examples through video demonstration; and apply lessons learned through applicable wrap-up activities.

• Module #1: Introduction to Effective Approaches of Instruction for ELs
  In this Module, you will learn fundamental information about effective instructional methods for English learners and what it looks like in classrooms. You will consider to what extent your teaching practices currently includes characteristics of these methods and how you can further enhance your teaching in meeting the needs of your linguistically diverse learners. Additionally, you will learn about different methods of sheltered instruction for English learners.

• Module #2: Key Principles of Sheltered Instruction
  In this Module, you will learn how to get started with sheltered instruction and implement some of the basics of sheltering, for example, preparing for lessons that support both language and content, writing content and language objectives, and learning about and drawing on your students’ backgrounds. Through the readings, videos, and assignments in this Module, you will learn about what instruction that incorporates these characteristics might look like. You’ll begin to identify ways you can modify your own instruction to better implement these elements of an overall approach to sheltered instruction.

• Module #3: Promoting Interaction in the Four Language Domains
  In this Module, you will learn more about sheltered instruction, including promoting interaction, practicing and applying learning in the classroom, and assessing content and language. In this Module, you will learn about how to implement sheltered instruction through all four language domains. You will learn more about what instruction might look like when these additional characteristics of sheltered instruction are implemented. You’ll begin to identify ways you can modify your own instruction to better implement these elements of an overall approach to sheltered instruction. 

Upon registration and payment, you will receive log-on credentials for the course via the email address provided upon registration. 

Each course contains three modules, each of which are self-paced and takes approximately two hours to complete. At the conclusion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Center for Applied Linguistics which can often be used to obtain continuing education credits.

*CAL also offers a tiered pricing structure for schools and districts who wish to have 10 or more teachers take the online course.