In the online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction – English as a Second Language (ESL) program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, educators learn how to effectively help English language learners (ELLs) gain linguistic competence and fluency. Through coursework in areas like ESL methods, learning technologies and teaching strategies, ESL teachers and curriculum leaders gain skill with the tools needed to improve ELL learning outcomes.
Visual tools greatly contribute to an ESL teacher’s success. They can enhance understanding as well as improve internalization and retention of knowledge among students who are learning English. Visual aids also bypass the linguistic representation of a concept and directly relay its meaning in a way that is accessible for most English language learners.
What Do ESL and ELL Mean in Education?
English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers work with English Language Learners (ELLs), for whom English is not their primary language. Students who use a language other than English at home and learn English as their second or foreign language are considered ELLs both in the ESL classroom and in regular content area classrooms in the United States.
As students who are still developing English vocabulary and usage skills, ELLs often need extra support in comprehending unfamiliar concepts regardless of the classroom setting. One way to offer that support is through the use of visual aids. These visual tools help ELLs grasp new ideas, access previous knowledge and gain confidence in using the new language (English).
Why Use Visual Aids in the ESL classroom?
Many ELLs have a more robust understanding of the subject matter than their existing English language proficiency might reflect. The use of visual aids and multimedia can build self-confidence for English language learners by helping them absorb the content and become interactive in the classroom.
The use of visual aids may decrease ELLs’ fears of giving wrong answers to questions and encourage them to engage more during lessons. When students feel more confident in the classroom, they are more likely to participate in the tasks and absorb the new content effectively.
What Is a Visual Aid?
A visual aid is anything that students can look at to help them comprehend and remember content. Examples of excellent visual aids that ELLs can use for reference while learning English include:
- English as a Second Language Picture Cards
- Anchor charts
- Physical gestures
- Document cameras
- Digital or printed images
- Illustrated vocabulary cards
Other visual aids might use text. For example, closed captioning is an excellent method of enhancing student learning. Utilizing closed captioning when showing video content improves student learning not only for ELLs but also for students with and without learning disabilities.
Voice typing and translation tools are also examples of text-based visual aids that help teach ELLs. Many voice-to-text applications exist to help students who might be confident in their vocabulary but still struggle with spelling and writing in English. When ELLs participate in regular content area courses, translation tools might also be beneficial for quickly grasping unfamiliar concepts.
Student-generated Visual Aids
While teacher-created visual aids can help students express themselves, students can also create their own visual aids, individually or in groups. Incorporating student-led and collaborative learning as well as artistic expression into ESL lessons can help ELLs develop a deeper understanding of vocabulary across subjects. Activities such as drawing, performing and “picto-spelling” can not only aid in student comprehension but also give students a more accessible outlet for demonstrating their understanding.
ELLs can benefit from a host of self-created visual aids to recall and transfer knowledge. Graphic organizers, sentence frames and self-illustrated vocabulary cards are helpful tools students can develop themselves. Each of these allows students to tap into existing knowledge banks to solidify old lessons and comprehend new information.
Research suggests utilizing color-coding in both teacher and student-generated materials can help with quick recall. For example, teachers can utilize color-coding to identify similar types of items or ideas in anchor charts. Students can then use these same color codes when creating sentence frames and graphic organizers. Consistent color-coding allows students to identify commonalities and build confidence as they quickly identify unfamiliar words and concepts.
Technology Is Your ESL Friend
Modern ESL educators have a host of new and exciting digital tools to assist with visual techniques. Numerous online resources exist to aid teachers in technology integration for ESL education. Everything from ESL video apps to learning software, digital databases and a plethora of new educational technology (edtech) tools driven by generative AI can vastly enhance blended and active learning environments for ELL students. ESL teachers might find it beneficial to identify new additions for their proverbial teaching toolbelts.
Visual aids are an essential part of any ESL teacher’s toolkit. Through teacher-generated and student-created visuals, ELLs can improve English language proficiency in four domains: Reading, writing, speaking and listening. Both high-tech and low-tech aids can accelerate students’ language learning and academic performance, preparing them to succeed in school and beyond.
Learn more about Southeastern’s online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction – ESL program.