EDTS 545 - College Readiness for English Language Learners

Traditional language instruction can sometimes overlook what English language learners (ELLs) really need to succeed in the classroom and in post-secondary education. For example, writing instruction might focus too much on memorizing grammar rules and not on actually practicing writing. Or reading and listening instruction might involve rote, inauthentic practice lessons rather than how to interact with real lectures and learning materials. This course focuses on equipping teachers with instructional techniques that help your ELL students learn the academic language that they need to succeed in high school and college.

In this course, you will develop strategies to enhance ELL students’ ability to read critically, discuss effectively, and cohesively present ideas in writing. You’ll be equipped with tools to aid students in achieving a balance of language skills, which allows them to perform on par with their native English-speaking peers. In addition, you’ll explore several examples of research-based lessons and assessments that you can implement in your classroom to provide your students with a framework upon which to build their language skills.

Using the tools and techniques from this course, you will be equipped to give your ELL students the practical skills they need to speak, listen to, read, and write academic content alongside their native-speaker peers.