The learning cycle can be the learning cycle with just another name. I'm researching strategies for working with English language learners (ELL's) in the science classroom. I came across a book at Cowles Library called Making Science Accessible to English Learners: A Guidebook for Teachers. The book is framed around the idea that teachers should plan science lessons for ELL's using a five step framework: engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate. Although there are fives steps in this framework, the fives steps coincide with what we have learned about creating lessons designed around the learning cycle. Engage and explore essentially match with exploration from the learning cycle, explain matches concept development from the learning cycle, and elaborate coincides with application from the learning cycle. So, the book basically told me that the learning cycle is effective for all learners, including ELL's. Good teaching is just good teaching then . . .
The example lessons in the back of the book followed the five step framework as well as incorporated developmental learning theory, yet the lessons did have a heavier focus on language skills than we have discussed in class. Although I think we need to provide ELL's with realia, visuals, and videos before we provide them with the language, we do need to provide them with the content vocabulary as the students will unlikely come up with the language on their own. Language is important for ELL's.
This is good that you found a book on looking at science for ELL students. It's nice that it broke it down into the 5 steps. It is true that visuals and videos are good for ELL students. Those are good ways for them to understand without having to always translate words and read. Visuals can help show and describe concepts to go along with the words. Good focus!
ReplyDeleteThat book sounds like a great resource to have! I agree, in addition to what we have learned in science methods about the learning cycle, I seem to have seen the same or similar approach across subjects. There is a large section devoted to the learning cycle in our social studies textbook, and I have also seen a similar model used in art lessons. I have to agree with what Prof. Kruse said- that it's really neat when a certain "method" for teaching something applies across subject areas, and for all students!
ReplyDeleteKelsey, I could not agree with you more. Good teaching is good teaching. The most important component in a classroom is an effective teacher. When a teacher is prepared and uses effective methods of teaching, the students in that classroom are more likely to have a quality learning experience. This book sounds like it gives teachers a nice resource for the classroom. It also sounds like it takes a deeper look at The Learning Cycle and how it can be used for ELL's. I think The Learning Cycle gives us a guide to lesson planning and can be used across content areas.
ReplyDelete