Using the 6E Model to Support English Language Learners in NGSS Science Instruction

 

Learners in NGSS Science Instruction

The current science classrooms are more heterogeneous than ever. Most of the students are English Language Learners (ELLs) and are still mastering the English language whilst learning science material. You know, these students have their rich experiences and worldviews, but he or she might have language, vocabulary and academic communication difficulties. Teachers must have effective teaching strategies to aid them in being successful. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the 6E Instructional Model collaborate in order to lead to inclusive learning of science that benefits English Language Learners.

The Challenge for English Language Learners in Science

Learning science may contain terms unfamiliar to learners, complicated texts, and elaborate descriptions. These language requirements among the English Language Learners make science hard even when based on their understanding of the concepts. In case the teaching is based on reading and lectures, ELL students can fall behind.

NGSS promotes practical learning, research, and problem solving, which is a plus to ELLs. The 6E Model gives a clear framework that will assist teachers in making plans to conduct lessons in which language development and science learning occur concurrently.

Why NGSS Supports English Language Learners

The attention of NGSS is not on memorization of a science but rather on doing and thinking of the same. Students are also motivated to inquire, research, apply evidence and describe their ideas. Such a practice will enable ELL students to display comprehension not just using written language, but in numerous other ways.

NGSS places value on team work as well. Learners discuss, collaborate, and idea exchange. These activities provide the English Language Learners with significant opportunities to exercise language with a supportive environment in place.

What Is the 6E Instructional Model?

The 6E Model is an instructional model with the assistance of active learning. It includes six stages:

• Engage

• Explore

• Explain

• Elaborate

• Evaluate

• Extend

The 6E Model in combination with NGSS enables the English Language Learners to access the science content as they build English skills.

Engage: Building Background and Interest

Engage stage assists in relating new learning to that of the students. The introduction of a topic by teachers can be done through pictures, videos, real objects or even simple questions.

This stage is critical to the English Language Learners, as it is the stage that develops background knowledge. Real life examples and pictures enable the students to learn ideas prior to hearing or reading complex language. Teachers may also have students discuss ideas in pairs or in groups and this seems safer than addressing the entire classroom.

Explore: Learning Through Hands-On Activities

During the Explore, students will explore ideas in science by conducting practical activities. They can experiment, notice changes or develop models.

This stage is particularly advantageous to the ELL students in that the pressure imposed in language is timed out. Students are able to learn through doing, watching and conversing with other students. Simple instructions, gestures, and visuals can be used by the teachers to support language growth. Group activities also enable the ELL students to listen and speak language in a natural way.

Explain: Supporting Academic Language

The Explain phase is the period when students share the acquired knowledge and start applying a scientific language. Educators facilitate conversation and present important words.

Teachers can explain in a clear and simplified manner, apply sentence frames, and say key words over and over again in order to support English Language Learners. The use of visual aids such as charts and diagrams also assist the students to associate words with meaning. This step will assist ELL students to gain confidence in using and comprehension of academic language.

Elaborate: Applying Learning in New Ways

The elaborate stage enables students to utilize their learned information in a new context. They can solve problems, develop solutions or study the real world.

This step consolidates meaning and language when it comes to the ELLs. It is possible to motivate students to operate in groups and present various methods of demonstrating learning, which may include drawings, models, or short explanations. The utilization of learning would enable students to enhance their knowledge without necessarily depending on the language.

Evaluate: Offering Multiple Ways to Show Learning

The evaluation phase involves student evaluation by the teacher. Assessment does not need to be just written examinations. Very useful tools include projects, oral explanations, and drawings and models.

Flexible assessment is significant to the English Language Learners. Students are also able to grasp ideas of science and fail to articulate them on paper. Allowing diversity in demonstrating learning helps to maintain fairness and confidence. Self reflection and peer assessment also assist students in development.

Extend: Connecting Science to Life and Language

The Extend level, assists the students in relating science to their lives and communities. Students will have the opportunity to discover science at home, neighborhood or culture.

It is a strong phase among the English Language Learners since they are given the opportunity to appreciate their backgrounds and experiences. The students are able to exchange the ideas within their own lives forming confidence and interest. Educators can also make the learning related to science-related career and real-life issues, so that the students could realize the benefit of science in the world.

Creating an Inclusive Science Classroom

Key strategies include:

• Three visuals and actual objects.

• Promoting team activity and conversation.

• Offering sentence starters and models.

• Multiple demonstrations of learning should be permitted.

Such strategies can help in understanding science and the development of language.

Conclusion

When learning science is inclusive and supportive English Language Learners have the opportunity to acquire the subject. Two instruments, the Next Generation Science Standards and the 6E Instructional Model, help to achieve this objective. They encourage learner engagement, interaction and world-real experiences.

Through the application of the 6E Model on instruction on NGSS science, it is possible to assist English Language Learners to develop science understanding, language proficiency, and confidence. The practice helps every student and guides them to succeed in their future academic life, and in science and other fields.