How to Use

Building on the idea of Problem-Based Learning (Levin, Hibbard and Rock, 2002), with each scenario you will encounter challenges that teachers may face when working with English Language Learners. Read the introduction, watch the video and then answer the questions. When you submit your answers, those generated by our experts will appear for comparison.

Case Scenarios

Case 3: A Struggling ELL

Seeing a child fail to thrive in a class is painful for a teacher. “How can I help her?” we ask ourselves. If the student is a non-native speaker, the puzzle is even more difficult. Is it language or is there something else?

Teacher Tim Connors has submitted a request for support about Medina, a student in his math class. Read the report, then listen to Tim describe his concerns before answering the questions below.

Q 1. What other kinds of information should the teachers gather about Medina?



Q 2. What instructional strategies might help Medina?



Q 3. What might help Medina on test days?



Q 4. Which best describes you?



Q 5. Which category best describes your primary grade level?



Q 6. Which category best describes your teaching experience?