Theory and Practice of

ELL
Blaire Adams, Anna Trojan, and Karen
Degnan
OBJECTIVES

1. Students will be able to state and analyze the theories of ELL.

2. Students will be able to construct practices for ELL students.

 Journal Entry

Write about a time where you have felt left out. How did it make
you feel?
What is ELL?

ELL is an english language learner. This is a term used in the US for students who are
learning the english language that have a different native language. ELL students can often
be left out and not included in lessons.
Theories of ELL

1. Behaviorists-practice and memorization

2. Innatists-learning is hardwired in a person
3. Cognitivists- learning is a process of noticing and practicing word
use
4. Interactionists- speaking with proficient speakers
Expansion on Behaviorists Theory
Practices of ELL

1. Cultivate relationships and be culturally responsive

2. Teach language skills across the curriculum
3. Emphasize productive language
4. Speak slowly and increase your wait time
5. Differentiate
6. Incorporate students’ native languages
7. Do not be afraid of technology
Different Practices in Teaching ELL Students
 Worksheet

Work with a partner and complete this worksheet.

 Kahoot

https://create.kahoot.it/share/ell-lesson/80e5278e-d57f-499d-9d0a-13e616e5678c
 Closing

Write down one takeaway you gathered from this lesson on a post it note. Post it on the
white board when finished.
 References

Kaplan, E. (2019, April 12). 6 essential strategies for teaching English language learners.
Edutopia. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from

https://www.edutopia.org/article/6-essential-strategies-teaching-english-language-learners.

Stovall, L. (2021, September 28). Writing center: Chapter 2: Theoretical perspectives on learning
a Second language. LibGuides.

Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://mc.libguides.com/c.php?g=39012&p=247972.

Learning Styles

● In this lesson we used the following learning styles:

○ Auditory
■ When we verbally taught the class about the theories and practices of ELL students.
○ Visual
■ When we included the videos in our lesson.
○ Social
■ When we instructed the class to discuss their thoughts with the table.
○ Independant
■ When we gave the class a worksheet to work on their owns.
○ Pragmatic
■ Throughout the whole lesson, students used their logic and followed a set of guided
directions.