Addressing language barriers during instruction is critical for improving content area learning and achievement within classrooms with students from different native language backgrounds. Although several instructional supports have been highlighted in the literature as helping to reduce language barriers, it is questionable whether teachers are…

There is a growing recognition of the importance of effective instruction in the STEM subjects, including science. The movement towards increased requirements and expectations in science presents a challenge to both students and teachers as many students with Learning Disabilities (LD) often struggle, particularly in their science classes. The…

Learning content-specific vocabulary is critical for students especially in content areas such as science. However, direct vocabulary instruction is lacking in many classrooms. This case study examined vocabulary instructional strategies within a 6th grade science classroom. The following questions were addressed: (1) What science vocabulary…

Teachers and students spend much time interacting with written resources such as textbooks, tests, or worksheets during classroom instruction. What if no text is available, however, in the language of the learners? This case study describes the processes and techniques adopted by two university lecturers in Cambodia, as they translated an L1…

Despite the challenges posed by increased time, specialized vocabularies, and balance, integrating writing and drawing with science investigations is beneficial for teachers and students. This month's column explains why this integrated approach is beneficial, and illustrates how teachers can use it to meet the needs of students learning English…

Examines the effect of redundant verbal and pictorial cues upon the recall and retention of a technical vocabulary dealing with the human circulatory system. Deaf students are used. Visual mediation is found to have strongly positive affective and cognitive benefits. (Author/MA)