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Constructivist Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners
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Constructivist Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners

Foreword by Jim Cummins


December 2007 | 208 pages | Corwin

"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.


 
Preface
 
1. Perspectives in Second Language Acquisition and Learning
 
2. Program Models for English Language Learners
 
3. Perspectives in Constructivism
 
4. Constructivist Practice for English Language Learners
 
5. Perspectives in Critical Pedagogy
 
6. Constructivist Classroom Connections: The Great Second-Grade Bug Invasion
 
7. Constructivist Classroom Connections: Intermediate Newcomers Meet the Universal Chicken
 
8. Constructivist Classroom Connections: Eighth Graders Face a Fence on the Border
 
9. Toward Critical Constructivist Practice With English Language Learners
 
Appendix
 
Glossary
 
References
 
Index

"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."

Karen C. Evans, Principal
David Walker Elementary School, Evanston, IL

"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."

Carlos J. Ovando, Professor
Arizona State University

“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.”

California Bookwatch, May 2008
Midwest Book Review

"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."

Bedrettin Yazan
Wisconsin English Journal, Fall 2011, Volume 53, No. 2

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.

Professor Fidel Tavara
Assessment and Education, Ana G. Mendez University System
August 29, 2012
Key features
  • Contains in-depth classroom examples
  • Boxed text highlights lessons learned, key points, and strategies from the classroom examples
  • Includes a glossary

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