Science teachers can easily incorporate differentiated language acquisition strategies into their lessons, especially when using Inquiry-Based Learning. Inquiry-Based Learning models have students look closely at concepts, moving from the concrete to the abstract. This natural scaffold allows students to construct new knowledge both in content and in language. The five E’s of Inquiry-Based Instruction are: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Below, you will find some language acquisition strategies that will help you navigate the last two steps of the 5 E’s of Inquiry-Based Learning.

Elaborate

Students at this stage synthesize their science and language learning by carrying out new projects using what they have learned up to that point. This process solidifies students’ knowledge.

Language Acquisition Strategies:

· Review target academic language with students.

· Analyze assessment data thus far to determine language students still need to strengthen.

· Create opportunities for students to practice scientific academic language meaningfully in novel contexts.

Evaluate

Students at this stage demonstrate and reflect upon their learning through formal and/or informal assessments. Teachers of emergent bilinguals should assess both content and language.

Language Acquisition Strategies:

· Set reasonable language expectations for emergent bilinguals based on language proficiency and performance in previous stages of the 5 E’s.

· Modify formal assessments to provide adequate language support such as native language support and/or visuals.