This article from Montgomery Media outlines a new framework for planning and delivering instruction in content areas to non-native English speakers: Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP).
"The principle behind SIOP is language is gained faster while learning content, because the language is placed in context and used in meaningful ways. ... Using a planning framework, teachers modify the way they teach so the language they use to explain concepts and information is comprehensible to non-native English speakers.
A teacher that uses SIOP has more interaction with the students, Loeffler said, noting that sitting back and listening is not an effective way to develop language. For example, a teacher might ask the students to look at the person next to them and explain a concept. “A key concept of SIOP is the phrase, ‘You need to verbalize to internalize.’ If you can verbalize it, say it, explain it, it’s part of your being. If you can’t explain it, you’re never going to be able to get it.”"
We found it interesting that the technique promotes the idea “You need to verbalize to internalize.” We agree with this tenet — and WCC coaches, whether coaching English learners or mainstream students, ask leading questions and get students to talk about their writing and think critically about their assignments as well.
Christine McGuinnessCommunications Director