The growing need to monitor and assess the progress of second language learners using alternative methods continues to interest ESL teachers. This poster session shows one alternative, a cooperative jigsaw experience used in an elementary school to produce theme-based shadow plays. This poster session displays the structure and organization of a self-access center established for ESOL learners having disparate needs. It also shares specially prepared materials, categories, and subcategories for self-instructional studies developed for various language areas. Student reaction statements accompany the display.
Handouts are available.
This poster session illustrates how students can improve their speaking skills and interact conversationally with native speakers through the great American vacation project. The display includes original worksheets for implementation of the project, travel industry literature used by students, and vacation displays that were created by students themselves. These activities help students practice their speaking skills. Discussion highlights unit writing techniques, academic language instruction, content-based instruction, interdisciplinary teaching, and cooperative grouping. Sentences on the reverse are used to teach the pictured cultural topics on the front, such as rodeo events, national parks, and national monuments.