Tomlinson Ch. 3 & Academic Vocabulary

Even though advanced learners do well in school, what can happen to these learners if they are not challenged?

• They will continue to excel regardless of the level of challenge.

• They can lose brain capacity over time, like an underused muscle.

• They will naturally find ways to challenge themselves.

• They will become more motivated to learn on their own.

When supporting a struggling learner, what is an important approach to take?

• Their ability to learn without mistakes, as making errors shows they are not ready to move forward.

• Their natural intelligence rather than their effort, because intelligence is something they are born with and cannot change.

• We need to believe in the student and teach from a growth mindset, building on positives.

• The fact that they will eventually catch up on their own if given enough time, without needing additional support or encouragement.

How can teachers help English learners build on the language skills and knowledge they already have in their first language?

• Encourage them to start over completely in English and avoid using their first language to prevent confusion.

• Build bridges between their first language, English, and draw on rudimentary knowledge.

• Focus only on memorization of English words without making connections to their first language.

• Wait until they are fluent in English before incorporating academic learning to avoid overwhelming them.

What practices should teachers NOT do when working with "students in the middle"?

• Affirm the student and teach with a growth mindset.

• Provide those student with the aspirational message they need to succeed.

• Instill in the student productive work habits to obtain goals.

• Assign assignments that are easy enough that the student does not struggle.

What role does academic vocabulary instruction play in elementary students' learning and achievement?

• It focuses mainly on memorization, which has little impact on overall comprehension and achievement.

• It equips elementary students with the essential background knowledge they need to understand and succeed across subjects.

• It is only necessary for older students, as younger children naturally pick up academic language over time.

• It should be limited to English language learners, as native speakers do not need explicit vocabulary instruction.