3. Comprehensible Input

Specific teaching techniques are needed when working with English learners who are acquiring a new language and are expected to master rigorous content material. Comprehensible input techniques are necessary for students to understand the essence of what is being said or presented. A SIOP teacher makes verbal communication more understandable by consciously using supports that are matched to students' levels of English proficiency.

Feature #10: Speech Appropriate for Students' Proficiency Levels

For this feature, speech refers to (1) rate and enunciation and (2) complexity of language. The first aspect addresses how the teacher speaks and the second aspect refers to what is said, such as vocabulary used, complexity of sentence structure, and use of idioms. While still providing ELs with exposure to grade-level language, SIOP teachers carefully monitor the vocabulary and sentence structure they use in order to match the students' proficiency levels.

The following are ways for teachers to monitor classroom speech:

• • Enunciate clearly.

  • Monitor your rate of speech.

  • Ask students for elaboration.

  • Model what you want students to say before having them produce language.

  • Avoid idioms, especially with beginners.

  • Use paraphrasing and repetition to enhance understanding.

  • Point out cognates to promote comprehension.

  • Simplify sentence structures to reduce complexity.

Feature #11: Clear Explanation of Academic Tasks

All students perform better in academic situations when teachers give clear instructions for assignments and activities. When students are confused about the topic or the purpose of a lesson, they either disengage or frantically try to make connections with what they already know. In this process, they waste valuable working memory.

• Break the assignment into manageable steps.

• Model or demonstrate the task for students, providing visuals whenever possible.

• Provide oral and written directions with every assignment.

• Model writing tasks (business letters, reports, or graphic organizers) so students know what the task entails.

Feature #12: A Variety of Techniques Used to Make Content Concepts Clear

• Use gestures, body language, pictures, and objects to accompany your speech.

• Provide a model of a process, task, or assignment.

• Preview material for optimal learning.

• Allow students alternative forms for expressing their understanding of information and concepts.

• Use multimedia in lessons for visual support.

• Provide repeated exposures to words, concepts, and skills.

• Use graphic organizers effectively.