V4.0 Flashcards

A teacher notices an ELL student is silent during class discussions but performs well on written assignments. This behavior is best described as:

Answer: The silent period

The silent period is a natural stage in second language acquisition where learners absorb input before producing output.

Which instructional strategy best supports ELL students in developing academic vocabulary across content areas?

Answer: Context-embedded instruction with visual supports

Context-embedded instruction with visuals provides comprehensible input that connects language to meaning in academic contexts.

The BICS/CALP distinction developed by Jim Cummins suggests that academic language proficiency takes approximately how long to develop?

Answer: 5 to 7 years

Cummins found that CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) typically takes 5–7 years to develop in a second language.

A student who code-switches between English and their home language during instruction is demonstrating:

Answer: A cognitive and communicative resource

Code-switching is a sophisticated linguistic skill that reflects bilingual competence, not a deficit.

Which of the following is an example of a comprehensible input strategy for ELL students?

Answer: Using gestures, visuals, and realia alongside verbal explanations

Gestures, visuals, and realia make input understandable by connecting language to concrete context.

In the context of CLAD, 'sheltered instruction' refers to:

Answer: Content-area teaching adapted to make concepts accessible while developing English

Sheltered instruction teaches grade-level content using strategies that make it comprehensible for ELL students while building English proficiency.

Which assessment approach is most appropriate for evaluating the language development of ELL students?

Answer: Portfolio-based assessments that capture growth over time

Portfolio-based assessments document a student's language development trajectory and provide a fuller picture than a single standardized test.