Seeking Best Practices And Meeting The Needs Of The English Language Learners: Using Second Language Theories And Integrating Technology In Teaching

Abstract

Anoticeable national trend in schools today is the rapid increase in the numberof the English language learners.  The widespreaduse of technology in classrooms is another trend today.  In combining these two trends, this paperdiscusses the best practices that teachers can use in classrooms to workeffectively with English language learners (ELLs)by integrating technology combined with second language theories.  Specifically, the paper focuses on threeaspects of the discussion. First, it provides the background information on theELL school population and the growth. Second, it discusses four practicesworking with ELLs.  These four practices areincreasing comprehensible input, encouraging social collaboration, relating tothe real world and providing supportive learning environments.  Each is discussed with integration oftechnology combined with second language (L2) theories. Finally, the paper urgeseducators to acknowledge the two trends and see best instructional practices tomeet the needs of the ELLs and all students.