Those of you teaching science probably have students who aren't passing. Science is a content area in which many ESOL students struggle.

Student Difficulties

* Lecture structure may be very different from the students' previous English experience.
* Grammatical forms and structures in textbooks become increasing complex.
* All four academic skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) are required.
* Scientific misunderstandings are remarkably persistent.
* Study skills are similar to those in language arts and social studies.

Helpful Hints for Science Teachers

* Identify science themes that have applications across life,
physical, and earth sciences.
* Students identify their prior knowledge about the science themes and
topics; the teacher takes notes of misconceptions that need to be corrected.
* Focus on hands-on activites using science process skills,
experimentation, and a variety of science resource materials.
* Develop academic language though discussions, listening, describing observations, reading graphic and text science information, and writing about science experiences.
* Use a variety of instructional approaches to dispel student
misconceptions.
* Use the 5 phase instructional sequence for inquiry-based activities that help students restructure their scientific knowledge.

5 Phase sequence
1. Preparation
2. Presentation
3. Practice
4. Evaluation
5. Expansion

If you would like some additional information or need help with a particular class or student, call or come see me. My extension is 292 and I am in room 404 until 4th period.

Cindy Gomez-ESOL contact

**The information about science and instruction came from
The CALLA
Handbook:Implementing the Cognitive Academic
Language Learning
Approach