In today’s diverse classrooms supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) is more crucial than ever before, but in order to do this, teachers need a tool that can help them diversify, personalize, and assess their ELLs automatically. MirrorTalk not only facilitates language acquisition for ELLs, but also promotes deeper learning and personal growth for them and their peers by helping them build reflective foundations about their experiences. Here are several ways MirrorTalk supports ELLS:
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Breaking down language and cultural barriers
According to Colorín Colorado, “language acquisition is important, but if ELLs are always reflecting/doing work in English, the primary thing you’re evaluating them on will always be language acquisition and not content.” Allowing students to reflect in their native language, at least some of the time, will give you greater insight into how they’re doing with their learning and content, not just their English language skills.
MirrorTalk’s reflection prompts are tailored to your learning objectives and personalized to each student, offering teachers a clearer picture of students’ comprehension and engagement with the material, separate from their English proficiency. This approach values the students’ existing knowledge and cognitive abilities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable assessment process.
Tapping into background knowledge
MirrorTalk creates unique opportunities for students to connect their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds to their learning. This is particularly crucial in literacy education, where students need to make connections on three levels:
- Text to text
- Text to self
- Self to the world
By developing prompts automatically that have a student delve into their experiences, their attitudes, and beliefs, MirrorTalk enables ELLs to draw upon their rich and diverse backgrounds, bringing their unique perspectives into the classroom. This not only enhances their engagement with the material but fosters community and enriches the learning experience for all students.
Creating a safe space for self-expression
ELLs often feel anxious to participate in class discussions due to fear of making mistakes or facing judgment from peers. MirrorTalk offers a private, judgment-free zone where students can express themselves without the pressure of immediate peer or teacher evaluation. This safe environment encourages more frequent and authentic reflection, boosting confidence and facilitating language development.
Enabling project-based learning for ELLs
ELLs are often left out of project-based learning experiences because it’s very time-consuming for teachers to develop separate resources and instructions in more than one language for each project. It’s also challenging for students who can’t communicate verbally with one another to work on the same project. This is where the Mirror device’s Workspaces are particularly beneficial.
- Clear expectations: Workspaces allow teachers to quickly and seamlessly outline project requirements and steps, providing a visual roadmap for ELLs.
- Multimodal instruction: Audio instructions can be integrated, offering listening practice alongside written guidelines.
- Peer modeling: In group settings, ELLs have the opportunity to observe and learn from their native English-speaking peers, gaining exposure to natural language use and reflection techniques.
Offering versatile tools for diverse learners
Mirror’s Workspace tools also offer flexibility that is particularly advantageous for ELLs:
– Links: Educators can provide online resources in multiple languages, allowing students to access information in their native language when needed.
– Timers: These can be used to structure activities, helping ELLs manage their time effectively while working with various resources.
– Whiteboards: Visual learners can benefit from the ability to draw or sketch their ideas, bypassing language barriers when necessary.
Importantly, these tools do not confine ELLs to working solely in English. This flexibility allows for a more inclusive and effective learning environment that respects and utilizes students’ existing language skills while supporting their English development.
A commitment to diversity and inclusion
MirrorTalk is more than just a tool to help students build reflective foundations—it’s a comprehensive solution that supports the holistic development of ELLs in your classroom. By providing a platform that values students’ backgrounds, encourages authentic expression, and offers versatile learning tools, we’re helping to create more inclusive and effective educational experiences. As we continue to innovate, we remain committed to empowering ELLs and their educators, fostering environments where every student can thrive.
“Our ELLs from El Salvador and Honduras are met with a huge cultural shock. We know many of these students were successful at their previous schools, but since they can’t articulate their knowledge in English they test at a low level. Mirror’s multi-language capabilities allows each learner to reflect and receive feedback in their native language. It’s a huge confidence boost and has helped them grow and develop their English.”
Harley DeKeyzer, Librarian/Technology Coordinator | Albany Middle School, LA
Educators like Harley are able to engage ELLs on day one by selecting from one of our pre-built reflection templates and activities:
