Encouraging Participation from English Language Learners

In coaching and teaching, "Cold Calling" can be a powerful tool for fostering engagement, inclusivity, and confidence in any learning environment. When used thoughtfully, it provides each participant an opportunity to feel seen, heard, and valued. Here are four key techniques to make Cold Calling a positive experience: 1️⃣ Preparation: Give students a chance to collect and organize their thoughts before sharing. Techniques like “Stop and Jot” and “Turn and Talk” ensure everyone has a meaningful contribution, setting the stage for success and quality insights. 2️⃣ Honor the Work: Recognize the quality in students’ responses and make Cold Calls feel like a privilege. Acknowledge a student's insight with specifics (e.g., “Lucas, I love your perspective on…”). This simple affirmation can transform the experience from intimidating to empowering. 3️⃣ Formative Language: Using inviting language like “Can you get us started on…” signals that perfection isn’t the expectation—contributions are. Lowering the stakes helps students feel comfortable participating, even if they’re unsure of their response. 4️⃣ Post-Answer Referencing: Peer validation is crucial. When classmates respond or build upon a student’s answer, it signals that their contributions matter. This encourages future participation and builds a collaborative culture. With these strategies, Cold Calling becomes a tool for connection, rather than intimidation, encouraging an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued. https://lnkd.in/gPDfSi3P

🚨🚨Educators in Multilingual Language Learning (MLL), simplify your approach to scaffolding. You don't need a multitude of tabs open to make a significant impact.🚨🚨 After extensive experience in multilingual classrooms, here are MY five Research-Backed, Low-Prep, High-Impact Strategies that align with SIOP, are easy to execute, and highly beneficial for MLLs: ❇️ Use Sentence Frames with Purpose: Shift from basic structures to more complex formats to enhance academic language skills swiftly. ❇️ Implement Visual Word Banks: Combine images, words, and definitions for easy reference and improved retention, aiding independent student work. ❇️ Engage in Quick Partner Talk Routines: Encourage fluency, reduce barriers, and ensure every student has a voice through structured discussions. ❇️ Use Color-Coded Graphic Organizers: These tools assist in organizing thoughts and improving writing skills, facilitating tracking, assessment, and differentiation. ❇️ Introduce Choice Boards for Tasks: Empower students by offering multiple ways to demonstrate understanding, fostering agency and engagement. These strategies go beyond mere tactics; they are transformative tools that have elevated language proficiency, confidence, and autonomy for MLLs—and they can do the same for your students. 💬 Share with me: What low-prep strategy do you rely on for MLL success? #MLLs #SIOP #LanguageEducation #Scaffolding #MultilingualLearners #TeacherTips #EdLeadership #ELD #ESOL #MLLEducator #AngelMartinez

Students who are seen and not heard are students who don’t learn. In the classroom, students should be talking 80% of the time. Here’s why: Students learn when they are speaking. 🗣️ As educators, we need to shift the focus from our voice to their voices. We can guide them, but the real magic happens when they engage in: -conversation -problem-solving -collaborative learning But the above is easier said than done, I know - especially if our current lesson plans and models focus more on our voices. Here are a few evidence-based instructional practices for educators who want to make an intentional shift: 1. Revise your lesson plans. First define whether it’s  a grammar lesson or a comprehension lesson. If it's a comprehension-focused lesson, prioritize communication over perfection. Don’t correct every mistake you hear or observe - that can disrupt the flow and impede learning. But in a grammar lesson, corrections are essential as the focus is on accuracy. Then ask yourself: How can I foster a conversation around this topic? 2. Break students into small groups of 2 or 3 and assign speaking roles. Start with the English speaker with the most experience, allowing other students time to observe. 3. Incorporate tangible items. Give students something to talk about, like a picture or object. Ask them to walk around, discuss, and write down their thoughts. 4. Set time limits. Teachers should speak 20% of the time or less. Time your instructions, repeat key points, model, then let them do the work. Think of yourself as the facilitator, not the lecturer. 5. Observe your students. Walk around, listen, and note where your students struggle and excel. This informs your next steps in supporting their language development. To the other educators out there - any other evidence-based practices you’d offer on this subject? #EducationEquity #LanguageLearning #CulturalHeritage #LanguageLiteracy

Implementing discussion strategies in the classroom enhances critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills, fostering a dynamic learning environment where students feel valued and engaged. When students actively participate in discussions, they develop deeper comprehension, learn to articulate their thoughts clearly, and build social-emotional skills that support respectful dialogue. To make discussions fun and engaging, consider interactive methods like Think-Pair-Share, where students first reflect independently, discuss with a partner, and then share with the class this structure builds confidence while encouraging participation. Storytelling circles allow students to contribute imaginative twists to a collective narrative, making learning feel like an adventure. Using games like “Would You Rather?” or mystery debates where students defend surprising viewpoints motivates children to express their ideas in a lively, playful way. Role-playing activities, like having students take on characters from history or literature, immerse them in learning while strengthening their ability to present and justify perspectives. By weaving movement, creativity, and social connection into discussions, educators can cultivate an atmosphere where every student is excited to share their voice.