Virtual Learning Network

Hi everyone,

  We had a quiet week last week so just a few things to report. I hope you have all had time to browse the new ELLP support for teaching and planning

The next NZQA Roadshow are coming up soon and the registration closing dates, for the Wellington and Christchurch roadshows, have been extended:

Places are still available for EL roadshows in Wellington (on 25 November 2017) and Christchurch (on 2 December 2017).

• Wellington – closing Friday 17 November

• Christchurch – closing Friday 24 November.

Register here.

Some reading on teaching mathematical language to ELLs

• How do I support EAL learners with mathematical language?

• ESOL Online page Ensuring Maths units meet the needs of ESOL students

• British Council download - Teaching mathematics to ESOL learners - lots of great information including “Rounding and estimation are both concepts that can trouble ESOL learners. Firstly, ‘round’ has a number of meanings in English, of which the mathematical version (and there are two) is at the higher end of English learning. Secondly, estimation in mathematics does not seem to exist as an idea in all other languages; learners may ask you why they should estimate, when they can work the answer out exactly.”

On other communities

English Online shared a TED Talk by Amy Cuddy on the power of body language and it’s ability to influence confidence.  Worth a look, and perhaps worth incorporating as part of the teaching around the EAP speaking standard.