Principles and Practices of Teaching English Language Learners

Abstract

This conceptual paper presents diverse approaches and strategies for preparing competent teachers who work with either English Language Learners (ELLs) or students who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). The pedagogical approaches discussed herein include practical and hands-on activities for teachers at any level. Bilingual learning improves ELL’s cognitive development as well as their self-esteem. The paper outlines underlying principles for the best practices with an emphasis on ESL students and also to other learning situations and students. Teachers can modify their instructional methods to adjust ELL’s learning needs. Specifically, even though the discussion is framed in the context of ESL students in U.S. classrooms, it is applicable to TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) environments in schools and other centers of learning.