How can you equalize participation in a group discussion?
Just asking students to have a group discussion will not automatically result in conversations. We need to support and create a platform for English Learners to jump into conversations. This is important to create social connectedness and inclusion of all students. To create connectedness, choose topics that students have in common. This social stimulus will encourage ELL students to join a discussion as students like to share things they are passionate about.
Getting quiet ELL students to participate in group discussion can be challenging at times. For some students nothing will get them participating and that is okay. The intimidation level can be too high for them. All students have a different readiness of sharing in a group, with the tips below we can work on the readiness of quiet students. Be respectful of this silent period but always invite students to share their thoughts, don’t ignore students. Sharing their thoughts in a small group might be less frightening for the more quiet students.
Sometimes students need a little kickstarter to contribute to a conversation. Structured discussions are a great way for students to know what is expected and to build the confidence to participate.
Here are 5 tips to get your ELL students to join in a group discussion.
With these tips you will give your students a great kickstarter to contribute:
1. Limit the corrections, accept imperfections.
If you correct pronunciation, grammar, and content at the same time, it will be an overload for the students. Determine your goals of the discussion and make corrections accordingly. The main goal should be that students produce language.
2. Respect
If students are not ready to share in a group. Don’t call them on the spot. You can ask closed questions that they can answer with yes/no, or non-verbal by nodding or showing thumbs up or down.
3. Group students wisely
Put verbally strong students together and the quietest students together. This will force quiet students to speak as there is not a dominant student to do it for them.
4. Use Kagan Strategies
To have a fun and structured way of practicing language, use Kagan Strategies like; TPS (Think-Pair-Share), TM (Talk Moves), RR (Round Robin), PDTS (Pairs Discuss & Teams Share), TS (Talking Sticks).
5. Visual language support
By displaying sentence starters, word banks and graphic organisers you can boost the confidence of students to speak. This makes it easier for students to participate and provides academic vocabulary practice. For students that can read you can give topics for small group discussion. Check out this resource to keep track of your students’ talk.
By using these strategies you create a pathway for inclusion for all students.
Have questions? Be sure to ask them by mailing me at languageadventurist@gmail.com
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