Keys to effective communication

Keys to Effective Communication

The following tips are keys to good communication that all teachers need to keep in mind when teaching new learners of English.
• Newcomers needvisual and kinesthetic support to understand academic content material.
• Speak in a clear, concise manner at a slightly slower pace using short, simple sentences and high-frequency words.• Smile and speak in calm, reassuring manner. Raising your voice does not facilitate comprehension.
• Allow your new learners of English extra time when listening and speaking.
• Itis important for you to check comprehension frequently.
• Accept one word answers, drawings and gestures.
• If you have important information to convey, speak to the newcomerindividually rather than in front of class.
• Help students to participate un you class by letting them know which question you are going to ask in advance.
• In choral reading, your ELLs willwant to participate but being the focus of attention can be traumatic.
• Write key words on the chalkboard so students have visual as well as auditory input.
• Knowledge of questioningstrategies is essential in differentiating instruction for ELLs. Involving English language learners in the discussions in their content area classes can be frustrating if teachers donot develop strategies for asking questions. Below is a list of types of questions to ask from easiest to most difficult.
1. Ask newcomers to point a picture or word to demonstrate basicknowledge.
2. Using visuals cues, ask simple yes/no question.
3. Embed the response in the question using “either/or”.
4. Break complex questions into several steps.
5. Ask simple“how” and “where” questions that can be answered with a phrase or short sentence.
• Remember that there will be times when you will not be able to get an idea across the newcomers.