Liven Up Math Classes With These Videos--Great Additional Support for Struggling Learners

Math language can cause problems for many English language learners.  Math word problems are especially difficult because the language around the word problem can often times be a challenge.  As a very basic example, look at the many synonyms for "DECREASE":  subtract, take away from, lowered by, reduce, minus, etc.  Then there are the NON-MATH words in the problems.  Look at this basic math problem for elementary school:

Five boys and three girls went on a field trip.  How many children went on the field trip all together?

First problem--the problem starts off with BOYS and GIRLS and then combines the two to make CHILDREN.  An ELL will wonder where that word came from (unless the teacher has addressed it).  Then there is the word "FIELD TRIP."  FIELD TRIP to many ELLs would mean a school yard or big open area with trees and lots of room to run and play.  Again, unless the teacher explains that there is not connection between a field and a field trip, the student will be confused.  Last, the words "all together."  To an English speaking student, that means ADD.  That will be a new word for the ELL.   So math teachers will also need to be English language teachers no matter what level of math they teach:)

Since math becomes increasingly more difficult as ELLs move on to middle school and high school, the same problem still faces them---the language of math.  Teachers need to develop the math language before the ELL can undertake solving the problem.

The video sites below offer more support for struggling students both ELLs and EOs.  Since it is visually presented in simple formats, it should be comprehensible for the majority of students.  Students hear the problem, see it drawn out, and watch it being solved as the teacher carefully covers each step of the process slowly and accurately (with a dose of humor throughout).  Further, these are sites that they can access at home, school library, on smart phones, iPads, tablets, etc.  For such students to know that they can revisit a math activity as often as they like until they finally understand it eases some of the stress of trying to learn English and content at the same time. 

Both sites are free of course though they do want students and teachers to register.  If students don't feel comfortable doing this, the teacher can just load these sites on class computers for students to use as needed.

Please note that though I am not a math teacher, I am an instructional coach who looks for practical ways to support all teachers with ELLs in their classes.  So what I share with you here, I pass on to colleagues:)


MATH VIDEOS FOR ALL GRADE LEVELS

HIGH SCHOOL MATH AND BEYOND!

Denise

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More on Khan Academy--An Outstanding Academic Resource for ALL Students Including ELLs!

Imagine the possibility of students doing the "classwork" at home and the "homework" in school:)  In some schools, this already being done through Khan Academy!  Students work on assignments at home through Khan Tutorials.  These videos are typically about 15 minutes long and are followed by practice.  The system keeps track of progress so the teacher can monitor quality of student work with ease.  Such insight permits the teacher to quickly discern who needs more coaching the next day in class and how much.  For students who seem to have mastered the assigned skill, the teacher can send them on to more complex projects or concepts.  Again, everything the students do, the teacher can track on her/his computer.  Some schools are even keeping their computer labs open late so that ALL children can work with the system.  The passing rates for academically struggling students has improved dramatically for these schools.

Would you like to know more about Sal Khan and how Khan Academy came into existence?  See his interview on 60 Minutes.  60 MINUTES INTERVIEW WITH SAL KHAN  He lives in the Silicon Valley and records his lessons right from his home.  For subject areas he hasn't seen in quite a while, he gets a few textbooks to brush up on the content before he does the videos.  His voice is easy to listen to and his notes on the black screen are in color and easy to follow.

For information on the layout of Khan Academy, see this link:   INFORMATION ABOUT KHAN ACADEMY  Here teachers are provided guidance in setting up assignments and monitoring student progress.  Students earn badges as they successfully complete lessons.  In fact, teachers can even add smiley faces if they like:)  It is amazing how much things as simple as badges can motivate students. 

KHAN DASHBOARD Explores KNOWLEDGE MAPS and how they keep track of progress.  Teachers or students select the area they wish to study (go to SEARCH and enter the subject to be studied).  As students answer questions correctly in the practice, they earn badges.  If they enter the wrong answers, they can watch a video tutorial on how to find the answer.  Imagine how powerful it is for students to have access to immediate tutoring as they encounter problems as opposed to waiting for the next day to see the teacher.


LIBRARY OF OVER 3000 INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Here is the current list of all instructional videos on file.  More are being added in new content areas regularly.

Sign up!  It is free.  If you have computers in your classroom, have your students sign up.  They will develop a new self-confidence in their abilities to do math (at any level):)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Model FX-300MS Scientific Calculator, 10x2 Display - Calculators
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