Constructivist Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners
- Sharon Adelman Reyes - Program Director, Diversity & Learning K-12
- Trina Lynn Vallone - Trinity Christian College, IL
Foreword by Jim Cummins
"The authors embrace the constructivist paradigm as a natural teaching and learning response to the specific needs of ELLs. A unique and remarkable contribution to the theoretical and research-based literature."
—Karen C. Evans, Principal
David Walker Elementary School, Evanston, IL
"Reyes and Vallone invite readers on an exciting journey inside classrooms where knowledgeable, caring, advocacy-oriented teachers effectively engage English Language Learners through culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy."
—Carlos J. Ovando, Professor
Arizona State University
Combine constructivist methods and culturally responsive instruction to improve educational equity.
As the population of English Language Learners (ELLs) grows, educators need new strategies to effectively promote second language acquisition and literacy development in all content areas.
By linking constructivist pedagogies to ELL instruction, Constructivist Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners provides a culturally responsive approach that builds on students' experiences and strengths. Sharon Adelman Reyes and Trina Lynn Vallone supply in-depth classroom examples and grade-level connections to help readers apply constructivist methods in teaching ELLs. Designed for inclusive classrooms with diverse student backgrounds and abilities, this hands-on guide examines:
- Perspectives on second language acquisition and learning
- Program models for ELLs
- Instructional practices informed by critical pedagogy
- Examples of constructivist classroom programs
Mainstream and bilingual teachers, ESL specialists, principals, and teacher leaders will find the conceptual foundation and practical methods needed to promote academic success for ELLs.
"It's refreshing to see the authors address the pedagogy of English language learners within a non-deficit model. Their embrace of the constructivist paradigm and its application as a natural teaching and learning response to the specific needs of ELLs is a unique and remarkable contribution to the theoretical and research-based literature on this topic."
"Reyes and Vallone invite readers to join them on an exciting journey inside classrooms where knowledgeable, caring, and advocacy-oriented teachers effectively engage English language learners through culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy. This book will be of interest to anyone concerned about the meaningful education of English language learners in an era of conflicting national policies."
“Packs in details on culturally sensitive instruction methods geared to encourage educational equity, and blends classroom examples and grade-level connections with ideas on second language acquisition and learning.”
"The authors draw on their research-based experiences with teachers serving ELLs, observing how constructivist strategies can be emplemented, to provide substantial examples and experiences from different content areas for the strategies they suggest. Incorporating authentic examples from classrooms implementing these programs makes a tremendous contribution to the practical side of this useful book."
Great book for Theory and Practice of TEaching ESOL students in the school setting. It offers practical information on how to use constructivism with ELLs.