Re++Fifteen+Key+Elements

"Fifteen Key Elements" Bruce Alger There are many significant and important elements presented in the article, "The Fifteen Key Elements of Effective Adolescent Literacy Programs" that can be incorporated into any educational classroom. All elements and techniques included in the article are useful but the three that seem the most significant in not only an ELL environment but in any classroom are: direct explicit comprehension instruction, collaborative learning, and the use of diverse texts.

All students need to learn to develop and build upon their reading comprehension levels in order to understand the materials and texts being used in a classroom. One strategy presented to improve comprehension was reciprocal teaching which involves the teacher modeling the use of questioning, clarifying, predicting, and summarizing for the students. Then the students working in small groups transfers the responsibility for their learnings from the teacher to themselves by having each student take turns using each strategy as they become the "teachers" by leading discussions. This element uses all three principles of sheltered instruction by increasing comprehensibility, interaction, and thinking skills.

Another important element mentioned in the article that will improve academic success is collaborative learning. According to the article "...the student should not simply discuss a topic, but interact with one another around a text". Working in interactive groups works well with ELL students as students with a better grasp of the language or the content matter can share their knowledge with peers that possess lesser skills.

Using diverse texts helps all students but lends itself to ELL students' learnings. Not only do a wide variety of topics need to be available there also needs to be a wide range of reading difficulty levels available. Students need to have reading materials that are under their reading frustration level so they are better able to understand the material they read.

Although I currently do not have any ELL students in my classroom, I use many of the elements mentioned in the article with my special education students. The benefits of cooperative learning groups are apparent as it is easy to see that students learn from one another. In my reading class, I work to build upon the students' comprehension skills and have diverse topics and books with different reading levels available that help to inspire the students to read.

After reading this article I am more aware that the three principles of sheltered instruction need to be incorporated in the classroom. I am now also aware that although I teach three math classes, The value of written work will help to develop skills in my students. In the future I will ask each student to explain in written form his/her understanding of the material and concepts that were presented.