One of the most interesting articles that popped up in my Google Alerts this week was titled “English-Learners Often Denied Full Access to STEM Education, Report Finds.” The article emphasized the importance of providing ELs with the same STEM-related opportunities as non-language-learning students. Too often, ELs are placed in remedial math and science courses because there is a lack of multilingual STEM teachers. This can ultimately be very damaging for students because they miss out on opportunities to work with and learn from their peers just because they are also learning English. The article also emphasizes that proficiency with English is not a prerequisite for participation in STEM-centered learning.
As I reflected on this article, I was disappointed that in 2018, STEM learning opportunities have barriers for language-learning students. Our student population grows more diverse every year, and it’s sad that our teaching population, especially in the math and science fields, is not prepared to adequately instruct students whose primary language is not English. So much STEM learning is project-based, and the focus on communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking is a perfect fit for students who are learning English because of all the opportunities they have to authentically engage with peers and with content. I hope that by drawing attention to these gaps in the teaching population, something can be done to ensure that all students have equal access to STEM educational opportunities.
References
Mitchell, C. (2018, October 18). English-Learners Often Denied Full Access to STEM Education, Report Finds. Retrieved October 18, 2018, from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/learning-the-language/2018/10/english_earners_denied_access_to_STEM.html
Image from National Science Foundation. https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=295999
This is extremely disappointing! I truly feel if there is any science or math class that our ESL students could get the most out of it would absolutely be a STEM course. In a STEM course students are more likely to be able to discover learning through hands on activities, not necessarily having to read a worksheet or book in another language. Students could also show understanding through building or creating something as well which would be much easier for them that a test.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is disheartening to read about. It's sad that we are not providing ESL students with the same opportunities as all students. I feel that STEM courses allow such a collaborative and hands on approach, that ESL students would really benefit from it. I hope that in the future, ESL students have the opportunity to take advantage of this type of curriculum.
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