ESL and Language Acquisition Essentials

A collection of flashcards focused on vocabulary and core concepts from English as a Second Language (ESL) education and language acquisition theory.

ESL

English as a Second Language.

BICS

Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills; social language; develops in $1-3$ years.

CALP

Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency; academic language; develops in $5-7+$ years.

Jim Cummins

The researcher who developed the concepts of BICS and CALP.

Five Hypotheses of Second Language Acquisition

Acquisition-Learning, Natural Order, Monitor, Input, and Affective Filter.

Comprehensible Input

Language slightly above the student's current level ($i+1$) made understandable with supports.

Lowering the Affective Filter

Creating a safe environment, offering encouragement, and providing meaningful interaction.

Scaffolding

Temporary supports that are gradually removed and that maintain grade-level expectations.

SIOP

Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol; a framework for teaching content while developing language.

Four Language Domains

Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

TELPAS

An assessment of English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Formative Assessment

Assessment used to guide instruction during the learning process.

Summative Assessment

Assessment used to measure learning after instruction is complete.

Scaffolding Examples

Sentence stems, visuals, graphic organizers, modeling, and word banks.

Best Vocabulary Instruction

Explicit teaching with visuals, repetition, context, and interaction.

Support for Beginners

Visuals, gestures, modeling, and yes/no questions.

Best Classroom Environment

Cooperative learning and meaningful interaction.

Family Engagement

Using interpreters or translated materials and respecting students' cultures.