Way With Words’ Post

Classroom technology is a game-changer for language learning. In the hands of teachers, it is a powerful way to enhance their students’ learning experiences and to make lesson preparation and class management easier. Here are 3 ways tech is supporting educators in today’s classrooms:  https://loom.ly/DMY9EiQ #hybridlanguagetraining #edtech #digitallearning

Want to learn more about how #TextToSpeecho tools can empower neurodivergent learners? Read the latest article by Amy Foxwell from ReadSpeaker for Training Industry, Inc. Learn more at https://okt.to/IKzg5a #education #edtech #Accessibility #Inclusivity #learning #edchat #K12Education

#GenerativeAI enhances classroom #learning by providing personalized tutoring, creating interactive simulations, facilitating language learning, offering adaptive feedback, etc. thus fostering engagement and understanding among students #CBSE https://t.ly/lQujk

FREE online session with Dr. Jan Wasowicz to learn powerful teaching tips and strategies😍 THIS WEEK ONLY, it's included with your purchase of the SPELL-Links WordUP! reading/spelling professional teaching tool ($23.99). 🤩 Ready to make the most of your SPELL-Links WordUP! app with K–adult learners? Join us... Tuesday, December 10, 2024 5:00 – 6:00pm CENTRAL ...for a FREE dynamic 1-hour online learning event hosted by Dr. Jan Wasowicz, the creator of SPELL-Links WordUP! and a leading expert in language literacy learning who regularly uses the app with her own students to improve their language literacy skills! Dr. Wasowicz will guide you through practical tips and strategies for using each of the app's four interactive activities—which combine word study with gamification to keep students motivated—and show you how to adapt them for learners of all ages and skill levels. You’ll also learn how to leverage the free student practice assignment sheets to support extended practice beyond instructional sessions. You'll leave with hands-on strategies to boost word study skills, engage learners, and enhance classroom or at-home literacy practice. What to Expect: ⭐ In-depth demonstration of each activity in SPELL-Links WordUP! ⭐ Practical strategies and customizations to get the most out of this powerful teaching tool ⭐ Tips for using free practice assignment sheets to extend learning outside of formal instructional time ⭐ Q&A time with Dr. Wasowicz for personalized support and insights Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your teaching and enrich your students' learning experience! This webinar is FREE with proof of purchase of the SPELL-Links WordUP! app https://lnkd.in/eBvSKApJ and is open to all practitioners eager to maximize learning outcomes. Register for the FREE Webinar Today and Transform Your Literacy Instruction with SPELL-Links WordUP! https://lnkd.in/dhVvM2zU Not yet ready to purchase SPELL-Links WordUP! ($23.99)? You can still join by paying the $59 event registration fee, and you’ll leave with lots of practical ideas to layer into your instruction with students This event is for education professionals only. If you’re a parent using SPELL-Links WordUP! at home, stay tuned for details about an upcoming event just for you!

Why is inclusive language important in learning, especially online learning? 🌞 It helps ensure all students feel seen and respected. Physical cues and personal interactions may be limited online. Language can promote a sense of belonging and support equity in education. 🌞 It reduces barriers to learning. Language that inadvertently excludes or marginalizes can create psychological barriers to learning. Students who feel devalued or excluded may be less likely to participate in discussions, ask questions, or seek help when needed. 🌞 It reflects diverse perspectives. Inclusive language acknowledges and respects students' diversity and can foster a more dynamic and enriched learning experience. 🌞 It supports mental health and well-being. Feeling included and respected can significantly impact a student's mental health. How do we, as instructional designers, incorporate inclusive language in the online courses we build? 🖋 Use gender-neutral terms 🖋 Respect pronouns 🖋 Avoid assumptions - don't assume all students share the same cultural background, family structure, or experiences. 🖋 Use diverse examples - case studies and materials should reflect diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences 🖋 Create inclusive content - provide transcripts for videos, use readable fonts, ensure compatibility with screen readers 🖋 Foster an inclusive discussion environment - set clear guidelines for respectful communication and actively moderate discussions What have you done to ensure inclusive language is part of your storyboards? #inclusivelanguage #instructionaldesign #elearning

Top 5 Reasons Your School Should Choose Hatch Early Learning! 🌟 Looking to elevate your early learning program? Hatch Early Learning provides the tools and support schools need to help young learners succeed. Here’s why you should consider us for your classroom: 1️⃣ Aligned with Standards Our solutions, like Ignite by Hatch, are aligned with state standards (including DRDP), ensuring that your students meet critical early learning benchmarks. 2️⃣ Research-Based Programs Every Hatch solution is backed by research and designed to support cognitive, social-emotional, and language development, setting a solid foundation for lifelong learning. 3️⃣ Interactive & Engaging Tools From our Ignite Table to the Ignite Panel with AI, we offer hands-on, fun, and interactive tools that captivate children’s attention while fostering essential skills. 4️⃣ Dual-Language Support Our bilingual content in English and Spanish ensures all learners, regardless of language background, have the opportunity to thrive. 5️⃣ Comprehensive Teacher Support Hatch provides professional development, data insights, and real-time feedback, empowering educators with the tools they need to make informed decisions for every child’s growth. Ready to see the difference? Comment below or send me a message for a free digital sampler of our Key Foundations program! #EarlyLearning #Education #IgniteByHatch #ChildDevelopment #EdTech #DualLanguage #TeacherSupport

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 A fundamental challenge they face is navigating the complex terminology and jargon. I've often felt this was a side effect of the false and antiquated belief that English is a measure of intelligence. I bridge this gap by ensuring equitable access that empowers learners to succeed as they learn while they earn. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫 Nomenclature is the system or jargon used in a particular field or discipline. For adult learners, especially those returning to education after a hiatus or transitioning to a new career, mastering the nomenclature of their chosen field can be daunting. The abundance of specialised terms, acronyms, and technical language can act as barriers to comprehension and engagement, hindering the learning process. 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 Implement targeted strategies that promote understanding, retention, and application of terminology. Contextual Learning Integrate nomenclature within the real-life context of learners' experiences and interests. By connecting terminology to practical applications, learners can grasp its significance and relevance more effectively. Visual Aids & Multimedia Use visual aids, infographics, and multimedia resources to illustrate key concepts and terms visually. Visual representations can enhance comprehension and retention, especially for adult learners who may have diverse learning styles and preferences. Interactive Learning Activities Engage learners in interactive activities such as group discussions, role-playing exercises, and collaborative projects that require the use of nomenclature in context. By actively applying terminology in problem-solving and decision-making scenarios, learners reinforce their understanding and develop confidence in using specialised language. Vocabulary Building Exercises Use vocabulary building exercises and quizzes to reinforce terminology retention. Encourage learners to create personalised glossaries to review and reinforce key terms in other contexts. Peer Support & Mentorship Foster a supportive learning community where learners can exchange ideas, ask questions, and seek clarity from peers and mentors. Peer support networks and mentorship programs provide valuable opportunities for learners to share insights, troubleshoot challenges, and collectively navigate any complexities. 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲  Prioritise inclusivity and accessibility by considering the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning needs of my learners. As champions of adult learning, it is our collective responsibility to bridge the gap and support learners in mastering the nomenclature of their chosen fields. I'm keen to learn from my colleagues. How do you bridge the gap? #InteractiveLearning #ContextualLearning #Nomenclature #PeerSupport #Mentorship #Inclusivity

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an educational approach where students learn by actively engaging in real-world, open-ended problems or challenges. Instead of traditional lecture-based instruction, PBL encourages students to collaborate, think critically, and apply their knowledge to solve problems. Here's how PBL can be applied in EFL classrooms to enhance learning: 1. Contextualized Learning: PBL provides a context for language learning. By presenting students with real-life scenarios or problems, language learning becomes more meaningful and relevant to their lives. For example, students could work on a project to plan a trip to an English-speaking country, which involves tasks such as booking flights, arranging accommodation, and navigating cultural differences—all requiring language skills. 2. Authentic Language Use: PBL encourages authentic language use. Students must communicate, collaborate, and negotiate meaning with their peers to solve problems. This mirrors real-world language use and helps students develop their communication skills in English. 3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: PBL promotes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are required to analyze information, identify relevant language and resources, evaluate options, and make decisions. This process not only enhances their language skills but also their ability to think critically and solve problems effectively. 4. Autonomous Learning: PBL fosters autonomous learning. Instead of relying solely on the teacher for instruction, students take ownership of their learning process. They research, explore, and discover language independently, promoting self-directed learning skills essential for language acquisition. 5. Interdisciplinary Learning: PBL allows for interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Teachers can design projects that integrate English language skills with other subjects such as science, history, or technology. This interdisciplinary approach enriches students' language learning experience and helps them make connections between different areas of knowledge. Overall, integrating problem-based learning into EFL classrooms can be highly beneficial for students as it enhances language learning in a meaningful, engaging, and collaborative way, while also developing important 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, and autonomy.

5 Top Tips for a Student-Centered ELT Classroom 1. Incorporate Collaborative Learning - Encourage group work and pair activities where students can collaborate on projects or language tasks. This promotes peer interaction and allows learners to share diverse perspectives. - Use techniques like jigsaw activities or think-pair-share to foster teamwork and communication skills. 2. Utilize Student Interests - Tailor your lesson plans around topics that resonate with your students' interests and backgrounds. Conduct surveys or informal discussions to understand what they enjoy. - Integrate authentic materials, such as music, articles, or videos that align with their hobbies, making lessons more relevant and engaging. 3. Encourage Self-Directed Learning - Provide opportunities for students to set their own learning goals and choose activities that align with those goals. This empowers them to take ownership of their education. - Introduce tools like learning contracts or personal reflection journals to help them track their progress and reflect on their learning journey. 4. Implement Formative Assessment - Use regular, low-stakes assessments to gauge student understanding and provide timely feedback. Techniques like exit tickets or quick quizzes can inform your teaching and address gaps in knowledge. - Encourage students to self-assess their performance and reflect on areas for improvement, fostering a growth mindset. 5. Create a Safe Learning Environment - Establish a classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment. Encourage open dialogue and respect for diverse opinions. - Incorporate icebreakers and team-building activities to build rapport among students, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. #StudentCenteredLearning #CollaborativeLearning #SelfDirectedLearning #FormativeAssessment #SafeLearningEnvironment #ELT #EnglishLanguageTeaching #TeachingStrategies #ActiveLearning #PeerInteraction #GrowthMindset #AuthenticMaterials #ReflectivePractice #Engagement #ClassroomCommunity

Building a Classroom Community Around Literacy: Heinemann provides tips to build an enriching learning community for multilingual learners that can be used in every classroom. https://rpb.li/ZI9XH