Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ell-families
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, effectively engaging English Language Learners (ELLs) and their families is paramount. Coursera’s course, ‘Engaging ELLs and Their Families in the School and Community,’ offers a comprehensive and practical approach to this critical aspect of teaching. This course is an invaluable resource for educators, administrators, and anyone involved in supporting multilingual students and their families.
The course is structured into six modules, each building upon the last to provide a holistic understanding of engagement strategies. Week 1 lays a crucial foundation by defining the culture of ELLs in K-12 classrooms across the US, emphasizing the impact of culture on learning, and assessing current school engagement levels. It equips participants with culturally sensitive techniques for classroom and school-wide engagement, as well as initial strategies for family involvement.
Weeks 2 through 4 delve into practical applications through compelling case studies. The American Dream Academy in Phoenix, AZ, showcases effective strategies for reaching out to ELL parents and developing successful parental involvement plans. Longfellow Elementary School in Wisconsin demonstrates how to integrate culture into classroom practices, utilize TPR (Total Physical Response) for ELL engagement, and set clear, culturally sensitive expectations. Alhambra High School, also in Phoenix, provides insights into creating culturally supportive school environments, connecting students to the school community through activities and clubs, and leveraging sports for engagement.
Week 5 expands the focus to community outreach, identifying organizations that support families and exploring online resources and apps for communication and partnership building. This module highlights the importance of extending engagement beyond the school walls.
Finally, Week 6 serves as a capstone, encouraging participants to synthesize the learned material and apply the strategies to their own teaching contexts through a final exam and optional peer review. The course successfully balances theoretical knowledge with actionable strategies, making it a highly recommendable resource for anyone looking to foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for ELLs and their families.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ell-families