How to Help English as a Second Language Students Increase Understanding of Earth Science Core Content Knowledge and Science Literacy with the Use of after School Vocabulary Review Sessions

Abstract

With the population of English as a second language (ESL) student entering our school systems increasing, and the importance for all students to have a mastery of science concepts, there needs to be a solution to help these ESL students that struggle with science. My students are all in ninth grade taking earth science and struggling with the content of the Regents course. After a conversation with each of the seven ESL students I decided to begin after school vocabulary intervention review sessions. For the second half of the year the students would meet one day each week and review all of the current vocabulary and review past Regent Exam questions. The students were able to make gains on exam scores as well as achieve a greater understanding of with the material than they had during the first half of the school year. Through the study I was also able to formulate new ideas using cooperative learning techniques and vocabulary intervention strategies which I will implement in future classes.