By Laura Alvarez and Lucinda Pease-Alvarez
When trying to support their newcomer students who are also new to English, teachers often wonder if they can even address content area learning in English. Based on our experience, an inquiry-based approach to content learning in English can be very effective. This approach involves students in actively constructing knowledge and doing work in the disciplines. We have found the following instructional practices are helpful when structuring inquiry-based content units. Many of these practices can be adapted when planning for remote instruction.
- Articulate clear and strategic learning objectives
- Engage students’ curiosity and wonder
- Facilitate and make meaning of hands-on learning experiences
- Involve students in accessible and relevant ways of applying and communicating what they’ve learned.