EAL

Flashcards testing knowledge on English as an Additional Language (EAL), including acquisition stages, factors influencing learning, communication and emotional needs, and supportive teaching strategies.

What does the abbreviation EAL stand for?

English as an additional language.

What are the features of the Silent/receptive stage of acquiring an additional language?

Continued use of home language until realisation that others do not understand them; the child or young person starts to understand random words or phrases but does not say anything in the new language.

What characterizes the Early production stage in EAL language acquisition?

Use of single words or 'set' simple phrases (e.g. good morning) gained as a result of frequent exposure, and starting to attempt words or simple phrases spontaneously (e.g. 'It's big!').

What are the key features of the Speech emergence stage?

Increased use of simple English, short sentences, and limited vocabulary.

What features define the Intermediate fluency stage of EAL?

Increased fluency and confidence in using the new language, along with a continuing expansion of vocabulary.

What is the main feature of the Continued language development/advanced fluency stage?

An increased ability to think in the new language.

Why is it important for practitioners to correctly recognize a child's or young person's stage of EAL?

Correct identification allows practitioners to use appropriate support strategies, track the child's progress, and seek advice if they are not showing progress.

What distinction must be kept in mind regarding EAL and SEND?

EAL and SEND are not connected, and EAL is not a form of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), although some children may have both.

Into what three categories can the eight factors affecting language acquisition be split?

1. Personal factors, 2. Family factors, and 3. Education factors.

How do age and developmental stage affect personal language acquisition?

Older children and young people pick up a new language faster because their advanced cognitive skills help them remember words and analyze how language works, and their established home language serves as a foundation.

How does personality affect a child's acquisition of another language?

Sociable and curious children and young people are more motivated to communicate and less fearful about making mistakes, allowing them to make faster progress.

What family factors affect additional language acquisition?

Bilingualism (having already mastered more than one language at home) and cultural background (whether the family's attitude towards education and learning English is positive).

What education factors influence how quickly a young person acquires English?

The learning environment (resources, attitudes of peers and teachers, and English usage) and the availability of support.

What positive impact can a strong home language have on a child's education and development?

It makes learning a new language easier, enables full interaction with family to build identity, fosters a positive self-concept, and provides cognitive advantages for information processing.

What negative impact can occur if a child has not yet mastered their home language?

They find it hard to make progress in learning a new language, experience family tensions or exclusion from family rituals, and may develop a negative self-concept.

How can peer group attitudes toward a home language impact a child's self-concept and social interactions?

If peers do not view the home language as valuable, the child may develop a negative self-concept and face discrimination and bullying.

What effects can occur if an EAL student is more proficient in spoken than written English?

They might need longer to write things down, lose interest in written tasks, and teachers might underestimate their knowledge and understanding.

What is the potential impact of a lack of English resources at home for an EAL learner?

Homework requiring English might not be completed, which can lead teachers to assume the student is not motivated.

What difficulties can arise if an EAL student needs longer to respond to questions in English?

They might refrain from participating in fast-paced lessons, start to withdraw, and cause teachers to think they are uninterested or have not understood.

How can negative attitudes towards an EAL learner's culture, language, ethnicity, or religion affect them?

They might develop a negative self-concept, refuse to participate in lessons, and lose motivation to learn English.

What behaviors might be exhibited by an EAL student who feels isolated from their peers?

They might not participate in lessons, show unwanted behaviors like frustration, or refuse to attend school (leading to high rates of absenteeism).

What are examples of utilizing EAL specialist support in an education setting?

Using bilingual teaching assistants, seeking advice from a local EAL team, and using assessments devised by a local EAL team.

What strategy involves using visual timetables, props, and concept images for EAL students?

Making the verbal curriculum more visual.

Why is providing opportunities to talk before writing beneficial for EAL learners?

Topic discussion introduces essential writing vocabulary and helps children structure their thoughts to aid fluent writing.

What is scaffolding learning in the context of supporting EAL learners?

Identifying parts of a lesson that might be difficult, breaking down tasks, and structuring support to match the child's current level of English proficiency.

What examples illustrate creating a language-rich environment?

Adding labels on items in the environment, arranging furniture to promote conversation, introducing interesting artefacts to provoke comments, and displaying attractive books, posters, and images.

How can practitioners work in partnership with parents/carers to support EAL learners?

By holding formal meetings (aided by interpreters if needed), conducting informal meetings, and sharing film clips showing daily setting routines so parents can promote conversations at home.

Why is celebrating an individual's culture important in an education setting?

It promotes a positive self-concept, builds stronger self-identity, helps peers learn about the home culture, and links feeling valued to overall progress in education.