English language learners (ELLs) bring a wide range of language skills into the classroom. Some of your students may be brand new to the English language and only know a few words. Others may be close to mastering fluency. 

With over 1 in 5 U.S. school-age children speaking a language other than English at home, many students face challenges in an English-speaking environment, from understanding academic vocabulary to participating in classroom discussions. As an ESL educator, your role is not only to teach a language but to help students gain the confidence and tools they need to succeed academically and personally. 

In this article, you’ll learn how to tailor your instruction to different proficiency levels using proven methods like differentiated instruction, scaffolding, culturally responsive teaching, and ongoing assessments. 

What Are the Levels of English Language Proficiency? 

English language learners (ELLs) have unique needs, so it’s essential to identify their proficiency levels. Some students may know how to hold a basic conversation, while others may struggle with even the most basic vocabulary. Proficiency levels vary by state, but in Texas, they include: 

  • Beginning Level 
    Students at this level are new to English. They may understand basic phrases. 

  • Intermediate Level 
    These students can communicate in English but will make frequent errors. They understand more than they can express. 

  • Advanced Level 
    These students can understand and use more complex language structures, engaging in detailed conversations with minimal errors. 

  • Advanced High 
    Students at this level possess near-native proficiency and can engage in complex and wide-ranging topics. 

5 Effective Teaching Strategies for English Language Learners 

To support English language learners at all stages, educators can use a range of evidence-based teaching methods. These strategies help students build language skills, understand new concepts, and feel included in the classroom. 

From differentiated instruction to culturally responsive teaching, the techniques below can be adapted based on each learner’s needs and background.

#1 Differentiated Instruction 

Differentiated instruction means tailoring teaching methods to meet the individual needs of each student. For beginner students, this might mean the use of visual aids, gestures, and simplified language. An educator might pair a picture of an apple with the word “apple” to help the student connect the word with its meaning. 

Intermediate students can benefit from group work and peer interactions, such as role-playing activities. Advanced students are challenged with higher-level tasks and analytical thinking. Encouraging them to assist peers may help reinforce their own knowledge, for example. 

Rather than treating all ELLs the same, it’s vital for educators to determine each individual student’s strengths and needs. 

#2 Scaffolding 

Psychologist Jerome Bruner first introduced the scaffolding technique in the 1970s. Teachers use this technique to support students before they’re ready to tackle a new educational milestone. Some scaffolding methods include: 

  • Modeling: Teachers demonstrate tasks, like writing a paragraph, before students perform them. 
  • Think-Alouds: In this strategy, a teacher will solve a problem or read from a text and verbalize their thought process to the student. 
  • Sentence Frames: These sentence starters help students structure their responses, such as: “I think that ____ because ____.” This gives students a framework to use when they form complex sentences on their own in the future. 

#3 Concrete and Abstract Concepts 

Abstract language involves concepts we can’t directly experience with our five senses, like “freedom” or “love.” In contrast, concrete language uses words we can experience with our senses, like “car” or “music.” Concrete concepts tend to be more immediately relatable to us, which means we tend to learn them much faster in a new language. 

Educators help students grasp concrete concepts and gradually introduce abstract concepts through visual aids like: 

  • Venn diagrams 
  • Flowcharts 
  • Mind maps. They may also leverage real-life context by connecting lessons to students’ own experiences. 

#4 Culturally Responsive Teaching 

While we all come from different backgrounds, ELL students face the additional challenge of acculturating to a new society that may differ greatly from their own. Culturally responsive teaching recognizes and respects the cultural backgrounds of ELL students. A few ways teachers do this: 

  • Incorporating cultural references into lessons: Including literature from students’ home countries, for example. 
  • Encouraging cultural sharing: Allowing students to share their traditions and experiences, which enriches the learning environment and builds a sense of respect and community. 

#5 Ongoing Assessments 

ELL students have been found to benefit significantly from corrective feedback that’s actionable and specific. In contrast to a simple letter grade, formative assessments help identify specific areas needing improvement. Educators can use quizzes, oral presentations, and class participation to continually gauge students’ understanding.  

ESL Teaching Strategies by English Proficiency Level 

Ongoing assessments help educators understand where each English language learner is in their journey and what support they need next. 

To make this process easier, the following guide outlines effective ESL teaching strategies by English proficiency level. Whether your students are just beginning or nearly fluent, this quick-reference chart can help you adapt instruction to meet them where they are. 

Table outlining effective ESL teaching strategies by English proficiency level, including beginner, intermediate, advanced, and advanced high learners.

Lead the Way in Bilingual/ESL Education With a Master’s Degree 

As the number of non-English-speaking households continues to rise, the demand for ESL educators is growing. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s CAEP-accredited online Master of Arts in Bilingual/ESL Education equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively teach and support ELL students. 

In this program, you’ll learn to develop and implement innovative strategies, assess language proficiency, and create culturally sensitive learning environments. You’ll study teaching methodologies, language acquisition, and the history and politics of bilingual education while gaining hands-on experience through a full-semester practicum. 

Choose from two concentrations: 

  • Master of Arts in Bilingual Education: 
    For teachers who will educate in Spanish and English. 
  • Master of Arts in ESL Education: 
    For teachers who will educate in English. 

Best of all, you can study from the comfort of your home while tackling other commitments. Learn more about how to apply.  

Sources: 
https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/people-that-speak-english-less-than-very-well.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20785-5
https://cis.org/Report/One-Five-US-Residents-Speaks-Foreign-Language-Home

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