for Teachers for Schools for Working Scholars
for Teachers for Schools for Working Scholars
Copyright
Course Navigator
ELL Accommodations for Lesson PlansNext Lesson 

Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies for English Language Learners

Chapter 2 /  Lesson 24
Try it risk-free for 30 days
Instructor: Matthew Hamel

Matt has degrees in Journalism and Business and has taught a variety of courses at high schools and universities around the world.

One of the great advantages ELLs (English language learners) have is the ability to seek out a classmate for help. In this lesson, teachers will learn about peer-assisted learning strategies specially designed for use in an ELL classroom.

Should Peers Assist?

Before we answer that question, let's define peer-assisted learning. Basically, peer-assisted learning involves a teacher partnering classmates together to complete academic tasks for the benefit of both parties. Peer-assistance is an important part of most classrooms and is especially beneficial for ELLs for a number of reasons.

  • Confused or lost students can turn to a classmate who does understand and speaks their native tongue.
  • Students who absorb material quickly can help students who are having difficulty.
  • A classmate may be able to explain the teacher's words in a way that is more understandable.

Another huge advantage of this approach is that students can share their strengths and bolster their weaknesses. For example, one student may be great at English but poor at math while another is good at math but struggles with English. It's this type of pairing that you want to look for when assigning partners to undertake the strategies suggested in this lesson.

Peer-assisted doesn't mean that the smart kids tutor the stragglers; it means that each student in the pairing offers something useful. While it may not always be a 50/50 collaboration, each student should be able to contribute something of value. Also, don't forget to change the pairings regularly so that students are interacting and communicating with different classmates.

To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account

Register to view this lesson

Are you a student or a teacher?

Unlock Your Education

See for yourself why 30 million people use Study.com

Become a Study.com member and start learning now.
Become a Member  Back
What teachers are saying about Study.com
Try it risk-free for 30 days
Description

Earning College Credit

Did you know… We have over 160 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.

To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page

Transferring credit to the school of your choice

Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.

Research Schools, Degrees & Careers

Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school.

Browse Articles By Category

Browse an area of study or degree level.

Recommended Articles
You are viewing lesson Lesson 24 in chapter 2 of the course:

 Back To Course

Resources for Teaching English Language Learners

8 chapters | 184 lessons

Ch 2. Classroom Resources for ESL Teachers
Ch 3. Types of Accommodations for ELL...

Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies for English Language Learners Related Study Materials

Create an account to start this course today
Try it risk-free for 30 days!
Create An Account

Explore our library of over 75,000 lessons

Browse by subject
Support