Our goals are to connect grads and current students, share ideas and advice, and be inspired. #ElonEd chat brings together experienced teachers and novice teachers to discuss best practices. We see our chat as a way to mentor future teachers who are students at Elon, and anyone who wants to join us in that effort is welcome.
Welcome to the #ElonEd chat! Our goals are to connect grads, current students, fac/staff, and other educators to share ideas and advice and to be inspired.
The #ElonEd moderators this evening are @scomorrison and @EduGuo. We are looking forward to the conversation! Our topic is culturally sustaining pedagogy for English language learners.
Q1: Why do you think we are chatting about culturally sustaining pedagogy for English language learners? What do you know about this topic already? #ElonEd
A1: As the United States gets more and more diverse this is going to be coming closer and closer to home. Sooner rather than later, every teacher is going to have an ELL in their class and we are woefully lacking in pedagogy to teach them #ElonEd
A1: I think that we are chatting about this because the number of ELL students is growing and it is important to take into account their different cultural backgrounds and not take away from that when teaching. I don’t know much on the topic but want to learn! #ELONED
A1: As the United States gets more and more diverse this is going to be coming closer and closer to home. Sooner rather than later, every teacher is going to have an ELL in their class and we are woefully lacking in pedagogy to teach them #ElonEd
A1: I think that we are chatting about this because the number of ELL students is growing and it is important to take into account their different cultural backgrounds and not take away from that when teaching. I don’t know much on the topic but want to learn! #ELONED
A1. Because a lot of pedagogy has been done (and continues to be done) to English language learners (aka emergent bilinguals) that disrespects & diminishes their cultures and first languages #ElonEd
Finding content that relates to all students is so important. We want to make sure that we are helping our ELLs just as much as all our other students, and respecting and honoring their different cultures. Excited to learn more about how to do this #ElonEd
A1: Teachers need to appreciate and celebrate diversity within their classrooms. Instead of attempting to assimilate students to become "American," we should teach our students to appreciate differences.
Additive teaching is key in this field. What makes it so difficult is how long we have been doing retractive teaching and that is a long legacy to turn around #eloned
A1: at some point every teacher will have an ELL student in their class so it is important we talk about how to best serve them! S/O to my pre-k Little Village teachers :) #eloned
Finding content that relates to all students is so important. We want to make sure that we are helping our ELLs just as much as all our other students, and respecting and honoring their different cultures. Excited to learn more about how to do this #ElonEd
A1: our country is becoming more and more diverse as people immigrate and join our communities and schools. We need to be able to have inclusive curricula to make sure these students don't get left behind simply because of their language and culture differences #ElonEd
A1: Teachers need to appreciate and celebrate diversity within their classrooms. Instead of attempting to assimilate students to become "American," we should teach our students to appreciate differences.
A1: The number of ELL students is increasing and we need to take into account their culture and background in teaching so they are not left behind. As an ELL student myself, I felt the struggles these students feel. #ElonEd
A1: The ELL population in the US is growing, there is a severe lack of awareness in how to teach these students, which leads to more and more marginalization. I don’t know a ton, but I’ve done some reading and have been to a language diversity conference at UNCG #ElonEd
A1: It's important to discuss this because we first must embrace Ss identity to truly welcome them into our classrooms. Incorporating this into our practice builds on Ss prior knowledge and helps them engage more in the content. #Eloned
Additive teaching is key in this field. What makes it so difficult is how long we have been doing retractive teaching and that is a long legacy to turn around #eloned
A1- This topic is my ❤️! 100% of my 5th graders are ELs. Many are newcomers. I believe all ELs need QUALITY instruction that values their identities and meets both language and academic needs! #eloned
A1: In order to have an equitable classroom, we have to be sure to utilize an appropriate and culturally relevant pedagogy that helps all learners, including ELL's. Often I feel that this topic is overlooked leaving teachers unprepared. Excited to learn more tonight! #ElonEd
A1: It's important to discuss this because we first must embrace Ss identity to truly welcome them into our classrooms. Incorporating this into our practice builds on Ss prior knowledge and helps them engage more in the content. #Eloned
A1: Every classroom I've been in has had at least one ELL. Its so important to provide content and pedagogy that supports these, and all, student learning. I am hoping to learn more about how to do this while respecting and honoring students' diverse backgrounds. #ElonEd
Q1. A1: as a non education major, I confess I don't know much about this. However, I think it's important for teachers to be understanding of any ELLs in their classroom. Mutual respect is key. Excited to learn more about this! #ElonEd
Q2: If someone said that the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of students did not matter in the classroom, or that assimilation to the mainstream culture should be the focus, what would you say in response? #ElonEd
A1: After working in the Little Village the past two semesters, I have seen different methods that are best used for reading to and teaching ELL students! Even so, all children learn differently so emphasis on the different methods :) #ElonEd
It is hard to define what an who an American is. I have studied history and immigration is not new. that is a great theme question to start the unit with, students will get hooked with that! #ElonEd
Q2: If someone said that the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of students did not matter in the classroom, or that assimilation to the mainstream culture should be the focus, what would you say in response? #ElonEd
A2: If we emphasize one student's background or culture over another's, we are saying that some students do not matter. This will not only affect their self esteem, but will make them feel that they are not welcome in the classroom. #eloned
A2: I would say "assimilation to what?" I recently had a discussion with my Ss about what it means to be American and none could agree or come to concrete conclusions. In a country of so many different cultures the only assimilation necessary is to a culture of acceptance #eloned
A1: All students should feel comfortable celebrating their culture, and teachers should help this not diminish it. This includes language! So far I know little about pedagogy to implement this and am excited to learn! #ElonEd
A2: I would say that they could not be more wrong. We should celebrate their differences. We should be inclusive with all cultures so that no child feels alienated and a stranger in their own classroom #ElonEd
A2: Every human being's culture is important. Student or not, that needs to be respected and if someone says otherwise, it doesn't seem like they should be in a classroom #ElonEd
A2: you would lose at a lot of students wanting to learn. in history classes so much is already about "America" there is more to America and many different perspectives #ElonEd
A2: I think that I would say that every student’s background is an important aspect of their learning and that discounting that and only focusing on assimilation would be a mistake because you would be ignoring all of the valuable cultural experiences a student has #ELONED
I wonder how many would respond to Q2 in real life by being quiet... by not wanting to make someone else upset... by thinking that other time to talk would be better. #ElonEd
A2: My response would be, "If we are not valued and if we can't connect to what we are learning, then we can't learn. Thus, backgrounds of ALL students DO matter." #ElonEd
Katie Baker joining. I’ve had these moments in schools and will be honest that I’m sometimes at a loss. Have said “I don’t agree, can we both give each other an article to read and come back and talk about it?” But I don’t always get ppl to take me up on that. #ElonEd
Q2: If someone said that the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of students did not matter in the classroom, or that assimilation to the mainstream culture should be the focus, what would you say in response? #ElonEd
I wonder how many would respond to Q2 in real life by being quiet... by not wanting to make someone else upset... by thinking that other time to talk would be better. #ElonEd
A2: Ignoring a student's linguistic & cultural background disregards their identity & who they are as a person. We should try and give students the resources they need to embrace their identity & view it as a superpower. #ElonEd
A2: I would definitely let them know that there is great value in having student from all different backgrounds together to share their differences with one another. #eloned
I was very impressed with my students. You have heard me talk about them, but they did come to the conclusion that people did not have to learn English to be American #ElonEd
This year my students speak English, Spanish, Vietnamese, French, Lingala, Chinese, and Indonesian. I focus on my students learning the target language (English) , but they know they use are always allowed to use their L1 as an asset and tool to help them learn! #ElonEd
Q2. I believe that teachers should encourage and embrace differences both inside and outside the classroom. Asking students questions about their background & culture can help ignite curiosity between students, rather than fear and uneasiness #ElonEd
A3: I don’t have much background in this but I think making sure the way you speak and the materials you choose are inclusive is a good way to start #ElonEd
Related question for those deep in this field of study: How does culturally sustaining pedagogy build upon (and compare to) culturally responsive teaching or culturally relevant pedagogy? #ElonEd
Q2: I might answer a question with a question, and ask why they are so quick to want to assimilate a student who may be different from them? Why don't we see this as an opportunity to learn from people who are different from ourselves? #ElonEd
A3: I think that culturally sustaining pedgaogy in a classroom involves integrating and using student’s different cultural backgrounds in teaching and learning and encouraging students to share their cultural experiences and connections #eloned
A3: Not completely sure, but I would say it's making sure that your activities in the classroom can be relatable to students from any culture and that it doesn't discriminate against anybody #ElonEd
A3: always being aware and making it noticable that you are bringing in other cultures into your teaching and students can easily see different cultures in their readings and assignments and even on field trips
#eloned
Q3: It is the practice of educating students without snuffing out their home culture. This needs to be taken into account with all students (UDL), which is something i was just thinking about
A2:Every cultural aspect of a student is important and special! 100% something that influences who they are in and out of the classroom!It would be a shame and disrespectful to ignore or censure this.Also it will negatively affect a childs confidence & curiosity to learn.#ElonEd
a3. culturally sustaining pedagogy treats every students' home language and culture as an asset to their education. it also recognizes & leverages the great diversity within the category of ELL #ElonEd
#CSP
1. ...describes teaching and learning that seeks to perpetuate and foster linguistic, literate, and cultural pluralism as part of the democratic project of schooling and as a needed response to demographic and social change.
#ElonEd
A3 When teachers celebrate cultural differences by highlighting lesser-known stories, such as the actions of the Tuskegee airmen or the Colored Troops during the Civil War. By incorporating these stories, students understand that the Eurocentric curriculum isn't the norm. #eloned
#CSP
2. ...takes dynamic cultural and linguistic dexterity as a necessary good, and sees the outcome of learning as additive, rather than subtractive, as remaining whole rather than framed as broken, as critically enriching strengths rather than replacing deficits.
#ElonEd
Q2: I would first want to know their reasoning for saying that. I would probably start laying out statistics and talk about language and literacy development with ELL's and how we should encourage all languages in our classroom #eloned
Q3: So, I've read the articles that you shared and I feel like my idea of CRP is what CSP is. They allow Ss culture's to be the driving force in the classroom. In the resources Ts use, in the products they are asked to produce and the ways they produce products #eloned
A3: "An understanding of the ways deficit approaches have historically and continue to perpetuate racialized inequalities, and an understanding of asset approaches and how to curricularize them."#ElonEd
3. "An understanding of the ways deficit approaches have historically and continue to perpetuate racialized inequalities, and an understanding of asset approaches and how to curricularize them."
I’m lurking but jumping in: It has to allow students to bring things to the classroom. It is impossible to predict what will be culturally relevant to all in the room, especially if you as teacher don’t share a cultural background. #ElonEd
No pedagogy should be about worksheets and instructional methods. They should be grounded in relationships first. Everything else follows after that. #eloned
A3: Honestly, not quite sure what that term means, but my goal is to be inclusive and help all students learn is to validate every culture evident in my classroom and beyond, in literature, social studies, and all aspects of the curriculum #ElonEd
Q4: What do you know about English language learners? What might they need in the classroom? How can you get to know your English Language Learners better? #ElonEd
A3: Honestly, not quite sure what that term means, but my goal is to be inclusive and help all students learn is to validate every culture evident in my classroom and beyond, in literature, social studies, and all aspects of the curriculum #ElonEd
A4: I am a huge fan of introduction projects. I want to know about my students and where they come from. And I want it to be i na medium that they enjoy/ feel comfortable with #ElonEd
A4: By speaking with a few of my ELLs this semester in Spanish, I was able to build strong relationships with them. I can't do that with everyone, but just showing that you appreciate their background and assisting them with language support is a start #eloned
A3: I think that this is including stories about people from different backgrounds into the classroom on different subjects so all students feel represented.#ElonEd
A4. Different ways to show their learning. Space that they can make their own. Us to value their identity and culture. Reprieve from explicit racism/xenophobia/microaggressions. #eloned
The idea of "building on" is at the core of culturally sustaining pedagogy. Rather than ignoring or subtracting their cultural knowledge and experience, USE IT in the classroom. This will require a big shift for most teachers. Ss become co-creators of the curriculum. #ElonEd
Q3: I think culturally sustaining pedagogy is about drawing on the diverse and shared experiences of students to create an inclusive classroom where all students are safe, seen, and supported. #ElonEd
A4: Today due to the testing culture, ELs need to develop their language needs (reading, writing, speaking, AND listening) while simultaneously learning academic content to meet standards. #ElonEd
A4: We should be getting to know our ELLs just like all our other students - being approachable, welcoming, and making sure they know they are in a safe place. #ElonEd
A4: I know that if we make them ignore their home language while at school, this creates a confusion in identity and who they can relate to. If someone told you to no longer speak english around them it would be really hard to establish a strong relationship with them #eloned
Q4: What do you know about English language learners? What might they need in the classroom? How can you get to know your English Language Learners better? #ElonEd
A4. Different ways to show their learning. Space that they can make their own. Us to value their identity and culture. Reprieve from explicit racism/xenophobia/microaggressions. #eloned
Q4: What do you know about English language learners? What might they need in the classroom? How can you get to know your English Language Learners better? #ElonEd
I'm a student, but I would love to give the Ss a time to show me their passions and what they love about their cultures. I find that, as a future SS teacher there are all kinds of connections to be drawn across cultures and knowing their specific cultures is so helpful #ElonEd
Q4: What do you know about English language learners? What might they need in the classroom? How can you get to know your English Language Learners better? #ElonEd
A4: They need to feel secure enough to open their mouth, they need such a secure environment and resources to engage in the new language and its culture.#ElonEd
A4: Every time Spanish-speaking Ss find out that I speak Spanish, they lose their minds and get so excited. I think learning even a few key phrases in different languages shows Ss you really care and are willing to work to show them they matter #ElonEd
A4: I know ELLs have to learn to be critical thinkers in two or more languages. In the US, they need to be as proficient in English as others whose first and only language is English. I think is SO fascinating and SO incredible that their minds do this #ElonEd
Q4: What do you know about English language learners? What might they need in the classroom? How can you get to know your English Language Learners better? #ElonEd
ELs are figuratively running a race. They are trying to catch-up to their monolingual peers. The finish line does not shift even though they are ELs. ELs need prepared Ts who can meet their unique needs & cheer for them at every step. #ElonEd
A:4 I know that from some of my friends who were ELLs they said that focusing on the verbal part of the language was just as helpful if not more helpful in learning to read then seeing it on paper #ElonEd
Q4: I know that ELLs have so much to say, so many ideas to share, and so much intelligence to contribute, but having to find the words they need in another language stifles their ability to express themselves. They need extra support by Ts and specialists #eloned
I emphasize to my students the difference between academic English and conversational English. It takes about 5-7 years to develop proficiency in academic English. Ordering lunch is much different than reading a novel and writing an essay. #ElonEd
A4: In my experience (mostly 5 y/os and younger) ELLs want to engage just as much as their classmates and are able to communicate in ways other than speech, you just have to pay close attention! #ElonEd
A4 pt2: It is getting to the point of being able to express all their critical thinking in a different language than the main one they communicate in that is what we need to work more on in our classrooms #ElonEd
Q4: get to know your ELLs better by learning some words in their language. They will feel more comfortable and more accepted in your classroom if they see that you care enough about them to put in effort to come to them linguistically, rather than make them come to you #ElonEd
I hopefully want to teach in Maryland and I knew there are ELL but didn't know this"As of the 2012-13 school year, Maryland's schools were home to more than 59,000 English language learners (ELLs), which marks a 120% increase from the 2002-2003 school year" #eloned
A4: Also, asking newcomers where they are from! When I worked with some ELs last year, I asked them a few questions about where they were from, when they came to the states, and a little about their families. Some Ts didn’t even know the country the kids were from #ElonEd
Q5: In what ways is culturally sustaining pedagogy political? What advice do you have for new teachers who may be uncomfortable with the idea that teaching may be political? #ElonEd
A4: In a classroom they need to feel included and set goals! Making a comfortable environment for them is so helpful for their success in a school and social setting. #ElonEd
“We know that if we want to live in a world that looks more like Wakanda, the first step is you invest in some women and girls.” #WakandaForeverhttps://t.co/aSyj6GPrFT
I had a difficult Thanksgiving convo with some family members about this. It’s easy to understand how our own family’s legacy impacted us but sometimes difficult to see how it affected others #ElonEd
A5: Find other Ts in the building that share your beliefs. Don't compromise them because others may say your wrong or not doing what's best for Ss. Be ok being uncomfortable. Engaging takes practices. Keep speaking truth to power. #eloned
A5: I would say that teaching can be political but that as an educator you can make your classroom a safe and inclusive place not dictated too much by today’s politics #ELONED
A5: Every decision we make about pedagogy is political in one way or another. Deciding what to teach and what to leave out sends a message. I've been thinking a lot lately about Eurocentric history and how it effects Ss of color #eloned
A5: Choosing to stray from the norm of Eurocentric-based curriculum will always ruffle some feathers, but using culturally responsive pedagogy is worth it to make students feel welcomed and appreciated at school. This will make them more excited to learn! #eloned
T's can learn 10 words in any language their students speak. "Hi." "Thank you." "You're welcome." Something random and/or funny. If u just try, it shows respect & can make a huge difference in students' perceptions of you. If you have a terrible accent, all the better! #ElonEd
Q4: get to know your ELLs better by learning some words in their language. They will feel more comfortable and more accepted in your classroom if they see that you care enough about them to put in effort to come to them linguistically, rather than make them come to you #ElonEd
My hunch is that many new teachers do not feel confident enough to reach out and be as inclusive as want to be. Perpetuating the status quo is SO easy, no? #ElonEd
I don't know if it's my biases coming in or the nature of our culture in general but I don't often imagine girls when having this conversation. Not taking gender (in any capacity) into account is a disservice. Thanks for the reminder. #eloned
A5: we are making the statement that we will accept and include any student from any background, whether or not that is backed by the current trends in politics. My advice is to think of what you are willing to do for your students, and be proud of that #ElonEd
A5: Every decision we make about pedagogy is political in one way or another. Deciding what to teach and what to leave out sends a message. I've been thinking a lot lately about Eurocentric history and how it effects Ss of color #eloned
Teaching is always political there’s so many ways to go about teaching that almost everything you do will be controversial to some one so you might as well do what you feel is right #ElonEd
A5: My advice is to always have a "critically caring heart." Always try to see below or beyond the surface of a challenge or issue. Value perspectives. #ElonEd
A5: all teaching is political because choosing NOT to say something is an act in itself. As a new student T, I am definitely most nervous about pushback from parents!! #ElonEd
A5: Teachers should focus on what is best and right for their students, even if it may be uncomfortable. I understand this is easier said then done, which is why #eduresearch is so important to back up why we do what we do! #ElonEd
I think there is a deeper point to culturally sustaining pedagogy that gets beyond being nice and accepting and inclusive. It dynamically shifts how a teacher THINKS about and PLANS lessons and HOW THAT TEACHER ACTS throughout that lesson. #ElonEd
Q6: What can teachers do to connect with English language learners in the classroom? What can teachers do to connect with the parents and families of English language learners? #ElonEd
Love this! In my placement last semester my CT made bilingual the norm. Lots of students regularly asking, “what does that word mean in spanish again?” So cool! #ElonEd
and the power dynamic shifts too because it's deeper than just the teaching of content, it's about the teachers leadership in the classroom, classroom rules, procedures, etc. #eloned
A5: There are many people with many opinions on everything. Especially about history. Why the Civil War came about is maybe taught differently in the North than in the South. Teaching is politically charged. #ElonEd
And...I think CSP really goes even deeper beyond that. When planning, the T considers, "How do I want my S to think and act AFTER the lesson is over?" #ElonEd
A6: Ts can work with the school translator to translate as many of the materials as possible, especially the ones that go home. Sadly, so much of it is effort because there has been so little in the past #eloned
Submit your Call for Proposals NOW for Elon's English Language Teaching Symposium on February 16th. Looking for individual & group proposals! See you there. #ElonEd#ElonENGhttps://t.co/xGceJhCui1
I agree that classrooms should be a safe place, but I disagree with the idea that teaching CAN be political. It inherently is. You are either silent/complicit and maintaining the status quo or you are fighting to change it. #ElonEd
"It's true that it helps build relationships if you can connect in your own language."
If you do not know how to use Google Translate, start now.
#ElonEd
A6: Show your great interest into their language and culture; Make them proud of their own identities; Maybe go visit the family if their parents can talk in English or bring a "bridge" ( translator). #ElonEd
The work isn't easy that's for sure. Like @amburkoed said, find those colleagues that are like-minded and can help in preparing your classroom to be more culturally inclusive. #ElonEd
A6: as previously mentioned, learning some words/phrases in S's languages helps immensely with opening up a pathway to trust and learning. Have a translator at parent/teacher meetings or ask a bilingual coworker to help you write newsletters/emails! #ElonEd
Another thing to consider - relating lessons to today’s world makes things relevant for students! If we want to build responsible media-literate citizens, we must introduce them early! ##ElonEd
A6: Don't let language be a barrier.
Parent-teacher communication apps like @RemindHQ have useful translation tools so you can communicate using the S' home language! #eloned
My Spanish (which is pretty good for a gringo) was a big asset to me as a HS teacher, but it also made a difference when I learned just a few words of Russian, Portuguese, Mandarin, Karen, Burmese, etc. #ElonEd
A6: I remember loving when my teacher really tried to learn a little bit of my language to at least understand me and communicate with me, even if it was very rudimentary. She asked for help from the other teachers that spoke Spanish to communicate with my parents #ElonEd
A6: Giving students the opportunity to communicate in the language of their choice will make them feel like you really care and are making an effort #ElonEd
A6: I would say making sure everyone has a good understanding of one another’s culture and keeping an open line of communications the start of a good foundation #ElonEd
1. There are many different kinds of English language learners.
2. They need to be known.
3. They need opportunities to speak English
4. They need us to be learners.
#ElonEd
Treat people as humans
Treat people as humans
Treat people as humans
Treat people as humans
Treat people as humans
Treat people as humans
Treat people as humans
#ElonEd
