YMCA Boston
International Learning Center
Since 1975, the ILC has provided over 32,500 immigrants and refugees with English language lessons to help them succeed in the U.S. by enhancing English language literacy for adults and families, helping New Americans successfully navigate American workplaces, schools, and communities. We offer a wide array of classes and schedules, both in-person and online. Adult learners with English fluency levels ranging from zero English to college level receive services at the ILC. As participants improve their English, they gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed personally and professionally in the U.S.
Routines
Learners Share Ideas and Opinions in Writing Using an Online Whiteboard
YMCA International Learning Center
TAGS: #InstructionalRoutine #Collaborative #Jamboard #YMCA
WHAT: Learners practice sharing an opinion or idea in writing and work collaboratively with peers and teachers.
WHY: Students will be able to practice writing sentences and phrases in English. Jamboard can be used for class activities like whole class work, small group work, as well as independent work. Students will be able to work independently and collaboratively, and will have easy access to content and any information displayed.
Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:
HOW | Jamboard:
Create Jamboard in Google Drive, and name it appropriately.
Insert pictures, text boxes or sticky notes to present information and/or instructions to students.
Configure sharing settings (editor or viewer).
Share Jamboard link with students and ask students to join the Jamboard.
Teach students how to use the writing tools within the Jamboard (sticky note and text box).
If the Jamboard contains multiple pages, teach students how to move from page to page within the same Jamboard.
DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):
CO.2: Collaborate with Technology: Students are working together in the Jamboard at the same time. They need to be careful not to interfere with each other’s work. They can read and check their work and the work of their peers.
EF.4: Use the Mouse: Students use the mouse to move through the different pages of the Jamboard and to insert sticky notes, text boxes, images, etc.
EF.6: Save & Find Documents: Students can access the Jamboard later in Google Classroom or Google Drive. They need to know where the Jamboard is saved and how to access it.
LL.2: Adapt to New Technology: This is a relatively new tool that students need to learn how to use, especially for online classes and when using Google Suite tools.
Promote Interaction Between Teachers and Learners Using a Learning Management System
YMCA International Learning Center
TAGS: #InstructionalRoutine #LearningManagementSystem #GoogleClassroom #YMCA
WHAT: Learners interact with the teacher and classmates through Google Classroom. Learners also access all the information and content related to class, perform summative assessments, and turn in homework and classwork for the teacher’s review.
WHY: Learners have a common place where to access class content, class work and homework.
Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:
HOW | Google Classroom:
Before the class starts, set up the Google Classroom:
Add students into Google Classroom
Send students invitations to join the Google Classroom
Create a topic for each week of instruction and include the dates of instruction in the name
Once classes start:
Demonstrate in class how students can join the Google Classroom
Show students the different sections, stream and classwork
Practice how to reply to a comment to a post on the stream
Show students the difference between an assignment, a material, a quiz and a question, and teach them how to work the different components
Demonstrate to students how to turn in an assignment
Demonstrate to students how to find the materials posted for every class and every week of learning
Review assignments and send feedback to students
DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):
CO.2: Collaborate with Technology
EF.4: Use the Mouse
EF.6: Save & Find Documents
IS.6: Organize Information & Files
LL.2: Adapt to New Technology
Use Game-Based Learning to Assess Students’ Language Skills
YMCA International Learning Center
TAGS: #InstructionalRoutine #Gamification #Kahoot! #YMCA
WHAT: Students review learned concepts (e.g., language skills, vocabulary, grammatical points) in an engaging way via an interactive quiz or educational game. As students participate in the quiz or game, the teacher can monitor their progress in real-time.
WHY: Teachers can customize Kahoot! assessments according to the specific language skills or topics they want to focus on in their ESOL classes, whereas students are able to review learned concepts in an engaging way. As students participate in the assessment, the teacher can monitor their progress in real-time. The teacher can see how students are answering each question and can identify areas where they may need additional support or clarification.
Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:
HOW | Kahoot!:
Create a Kahoot! account and sign in.
Click “Create” and then “Kahoot!”.
Click “Create a new Kahoot!”.
Choose the question type on the right-hand side (Quiz, T/F, Type an answer, Slider, etc.) and set a time limit.
Start typing in your questions one by one.
Once all questions are created, click “Save.”
Go to “My Kahoot!s” on the right-hand side and choose the Kahoot! just created.
Click “Start.”
Students either enter the game PIN at www.kahoot.it or scan the QR code to join.
DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):
MO.6: Collaborate Using Mobile Tools: Students need to use their mobile phone to participate in the game.
LL.2: Adapt to New Technology: To many language learners, Kahoot! may be a new educational technology. Students are able to build on their tech experiences by engaging in Kahoot! games.