Article 2 (Effective Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners)

http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/teaching/esl/

Analysis of the article 

This article focuses on effective ways teachers can help ESL students overcome barriers to meaningful instruction. Teachers may use effective strategies that are based on social interaction theory in order to create comfortable classroom conditions and helps students to construct understanding and become independent thinkers and problem solvers.

 The author of the article distinguishes four loads as barriers to meaningful instruction. They are:

·                   cognitive load,

·                   culture load,

·                   language load,

·                    learning load.

She claims that teachers should be aware of lowering these barriers and increasing student’s interest and curiosity with a help of developing a creative, wise and passionate curriculum.

So, what does each of the barriers mean? Cognitive load refers to the number of new concepts used in a lesson.  'Culture load' describes the way language and culture are related and the amount of cultural knowledge required to participate in an activity. The next barrier, the 'language load,' refers to the number of unknown words encountered in the lessons. The 'learning load' describes what teachers expect students to do with English in the learning activities. 

Teachers should also endeavor to increase student interests by sharing their affection with students. Creative implementation of curriculum is very important. In such a way teachers can motivate students and facilitate learning.