How An Online Eal Course Can Make A Difference In Your Classroom
Although Australia has not designated any one language as her national language, English is the de-facto national language. Therefore, migrant students and expats can benefit significantly by taking Basic English courses, additional English courses, EAL course or learn English speaking, particularly when English is not a popular language in their country of origin. The English language has come to be accepted as the bridge language in most parts of the universe and therefore it is important for students and other expats to acquire. The EAL course or English as an Additional language has gained popularity in recent times with many students and professionals, particularly in the Information Technology industry showing keen interest to study these courses.
What is the EAL course?
The EAL course aims at providing adequate support to the course participants to learn English to help them continue their academic pursuit across the curriculum. The participants are initially evaluated to comprehend their proficiency and level in domains like speaking, listening, writing and reading. Application of the participants is then reviewed taking into account their earlier school records and followed by a formal interview. Language proficiency test or online placement test may also be essential in some instances depending on the institution offering the EAL course. Once admitted, the course aims at monitoring and supporting each student throughout the course of their linguistic development until they acquire the ability to demonstrate their level of knowledge in all areas of content in the English language. “Push-in” and “pull out” are two specific models of support that participants in the course receive. Participants with a lower level of proficiency start with the pull-out classes and move on to the push-in model, to finally exit the program, once the content and EAL teachers assess their full capability to be successful without further support.
Understanding the pull-out model
Successful completion of the curriculum across grades 1 through 10 may warrant additional support in the English language for some students. These students attend the support classes for English language substituting the study of language B as part of an International Baccalaureate program. These classes are tailored for language instruction and are intensive in character. Support is also provided for learning other academic subjects within small groups.
The EAL support under the pull-out model is designed to provide students with a short-term intensive boost to their academic proficiency in the English language. With the help of multiple assessment data each participant is assessed including teacher evaluations and testing to determine the need for further support in the English language at the next level of academics. Gradually, the students then transition from the ‘pull-out’ to the ‘push-in’ model for completely independent learning. Participants exiting the EAL course program are also monitored to make sure that they are successful, thriving and making academic gains.
The ‘push-in’ model
In the regular classroom, the content teacher is joined by a specialist assisting the teacher as well students to adapt the content delivery for supporting the learners of the English language in the given classroom. This, in turn, helps in contextualizing language learning to academic content. Participants learn syntax, academic vocabulary and grammar, in genuine classroom settings because of careful planning and preparation aided by integrated co-teaching.
Linguistic proficiency – the role of teachers and parents
Teachers as well as parents should be aware that, according to researchers it takes anywhere between seven and nine years for a student to acquire linguistic proficiency in academic as well as social contexts. The EAL program is tuned to this fact and exhorts parents and teachers to be patient and remember this underlying factor. Appropriate breaks at school and additional sleep at home, can in fact boost the learning ability of the students, particularly because students may feel exhausted at the start of the program.
Online resources and course providers
In today’s digital age, serious and disciplined students are at a great advantage since they can plan their learning schedules without setting apart a specific time slot to attend classes. There are many digital aids like the e-reader and WhatsApp which can move your classes to where you are instead of the other way around. Students can either assign a specific amount of time every day or take multiple classes in a single day. When to study and where to study is thus virtually on your ‘fingertips’ and you can also select EAL course providers from a battery of reputed institutions and explore a wide range of courses like additional English courses, basic English courses, EAL course, learn English speaking.
