My ELD students struggle with public speaking. In order to master the English language, they need practice. But speaking publicly in our class and others takes confidence that many of them lack because they lack practice. Therefore, a vicious cycle is created that holds many of my students behind.
My ELD students are a highly motivated group of young people.
Despite poverty, violent neighborhoods, and crowded classrooms, they persevere and achieve when given resources. They all desire to become fluent speakers of English, like their classmates. Yet the crowded classrooms and need for practice have held them back. For years, my ELD students have disappeared into classrooms, not raising their hands to speak because of fear that they will sound different from others. Though we practice in our ELD classroom, in order to become fully fluent in English, they require additional time and structure to practice, build confidence, and participate in all their classes.
My Project
Having digital recorders and the ability to save their voices will allow my ELD students to practice speaking in a safe place. In the comfort of their homes or in a quiet place, students will be able to speak at their own pace and then allow me to comment and help them build fluency when they bring the recording back. Having a place to save their files will allow them to track their progress and refer back to older recordings. The digital recorders will also allow students to record class lectures and discussions from other classes and then later analyze the recordings, adding to their notes, and practicing their fluency.
Digital recorders will also allow my students to prepare for public speaking in the form of presentations and speeches. They will be able to record their presentations and I can support them in areas such as pronunciation and fluency. Recorders will allow for increased practice and support that is not possible right now.
I envision a day when all my ELD students will be confident speakers that do not fear being called on in class.
The digital recorders and hard drive will allow my students to gain the practice they need. They will be one step closer in becoming more effective speakers and communicators. These important resources will bring out their true potential and allow them to share their important perspectives and life experiences.
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