Misconception # 1 - You must acquire oral language base before literacy.
Research actually states that both oral language and literacy should be developed simultaneously. This is an important misconception to address because most people think that you need to learn language before learning to read. It is important to develop both at the same time through learning to read, your language skills will develop. (McLaughlin, 2006).
misconception #2- students should only speak English at home to practice their oral language
Encouraging ELL's to maintain and develop their home language while they develop proficiency in English benefits the individual ELL and his or her family, and community as well as the nation overall. Many people think that speaking their native language at home will only hurt them while at school but the U.S need bilingual citizens as well (Wright, 2003). This misconception is important to address because EL students are encouraged to speak and learn in their home language. By giving the students an opportunity to use their first language at home, and in the classroom provides the students with the opportunity to develop their language, and this will lead to the students using English more for communicative purposes.
Wright, W. E. (2010). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Caslon Inc.
Misconception #3: An ell student who reads aloud well, understands everything
An ELL student who can decode words while reading aloud may not necessarily understand the meaning of the text. Some ELL's have learned the sound/letter correspondence in English. They may “sound” as if they understand what they read; informal assessments can be done to ascertain if understanding is occurring. This misconception is so important! Everything stated above is so true, that a students may be able to read, but they aren't comprehending the text. They are reading without a purpose. As educators, we cannot assume that just because a student knows how to read, they know what the text is about. By using this information we need to push the students, and ask questions to see if those comprehension skills are present. If not, we know how to address the situation, and provide the student with the correct instruction to get them on track. I think that people believe that this is misconception is true because they see a student reading, and they automatically assume that they are literate, and understand what they are doing.
Misconceptions about Language Learners. (n.d.). Retrieved from Newport News Public Schools website: http://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/esl/misconceptions.html
Misconception #4: Students need to be corrected when they're speaking english
It is often tempting for teachers to correct grammar or pronunciation when students are speaking. However, it is best to let the students speak freely without the interfering act of correcting. Correcting often decreases students' self-confidence and diminished their agency and voice in the classroom. Over time, with lots of practice of oral communication, students will eventually recognize grammar and sentence structure patterns on their own. (Airubail, 2015). As we are teaching and supporting our English Language Learners are they grow, we need to keep in mind that they have a lot to process. We need to step back, and let them make mistakes because, as it says above they will eventually grasp the concept!
Misconceptions about Language Learners. (n.d.). Retrieved from Newport News Public Schools website: http://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/esl/misconceptions.html
Misconception #5: STUDENTS CANNOT USE THEIR FIRST LANGUAGE IN THE CLASSROOM.
EL students should be encouraged to speak their first language in the classroom. By allowing students to speak in their native language it actually helps them to learn the English language by allowing that student to choose when they want to speak English rather then forcing them to speak when they don't want too. The students are better able to concentrate on their work, and focus on their learning.
"When students are able to use their first language amongst peers who also speak the same language, they are more likely to use English for communicative purposes in social settings. Another reason to allow students' use of first language in the classroom is for them to understand instruction fully. This was, the students are able to concentrate on the task at hand, rather then being preoccupied with trying to understand the instructions," (Airubail, 2015).
Misconceptions about Language Learners. (n.d.). Retrieved from Newport News Public Schools website: http://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/esl/misconceptions.html
Misconception #6- ELL'S WHO ARE SILENT IN CLASS DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING
ELL's are still acquiring an understanding of the English language and its grammatical structures.During this "silent period," ELL's are attending to and internalizing the vocabulary and common patterns and structure of the English language. (Krashen, 1983).
misconception #7-IF AN ELL APPEARS TO SPEAK ENGLISH WELL CAN READ AND WRITE THE SAME WAY
An ELL student may converse comfortably in English, but not be able to read and write at a similar level. Research suggests that it can take up to five years of English language instruction before an ELL student will be able to read and write proficiently in English (Cummins, 1979; Peregoy & Boyle, 2005).
Misconception #8-once ells can converse socially in english, they are then capable of succeeding academically
While ELLs may acquire social language wishing three years, it may take up to seven years for an ELL to achieve academic proficiency in English. Levels of knowledge and literacy in the native language impact the rate in which students can perform academically in English. (NYSUT Research and Educational Services, 2015).
Fact Sheet No. 15-16: Debunking the Myths of English Language Learners. (2015, August 6). Retrieved from Nysut: A Union of Professionals website: http://www.nysut.org/resources/all-listing/2015/ august/fact-sheet-debunking-the-myths-of-english-language-learners
misconception #9- Ells should be taught to read in english from the beginning
Reading skills transfer from one language to another. Students who first learn to read in there native language, will be more successful readers in English. (NYSUT Research and Educational Services, 2015).
Fact Sheet No. 15-16: Debunking the Myths of English Language Learners. (2015, August 6). Retrieved from Nysut: A Union of Professionals website: http://www.nysut.org/resources/all-listing/2015/ august/fact-sheet-debunking-the-myths-of-english-language- learners
Misconception #1o: all Ell students are immigrants
Many langage learners are not immigrants and have been born in the US. Some language learners are also international students, who are here on a study period. It is important to be mindful and empathetic to the backgrounds of our learners to help us meet their learning needs, and create a safe classroom culture for them. (Airubail, 2015).
Misconceptions about Language Learners. (n.d.). Retrieved from Newport News Public Schools website: http://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/esl/misconceptions.html