ED 175

We are all language learners. From the time we were conceived, through learning to babble, and finally speaking our first words, language structures and contexts supported the sequential development of our first language or "L1". In ED 175, you will learn about language learning and teaching theories, language and context demands, language learning policy and legislation, and about the immense significance of culture on student-centered language development.

"The fish that doesn't recognize the water in which it swims". Language components and corresponding socio-cultural context of language use are glaringly obvious, yet difficult to notice when we are steeped in our native language use. Strong teachers of ELs make it a habit to analyze constructs of and around language to select optimal strategies for differentiating instruction.

Teaching English Learners (ELs) requires a balancing of tensions around how to leverage linguistic first language assets while working diligently on addressing gaps in English proficiency. As well, language teachers balance the introspective work of culturally relevant teaching while, simultaneously brokering the success of ELs in U.S. schools. Strong teachers of ELs work within these tensions to habitually reflect on cultural competence and integrate the students' experience in each day of learning.

These main themes of ED 175 or Teaching English Learners (ELs) PK-12 & related resources are listed in the boxes below: