The first clip is about using Recast. When a teacher recasts she/he provides a good model for a child who may use incorrect grammar or mispronounced words. Instead of the teacher saying “You’re wrong,” or “We don’t talk like that,” she repeats the phrase correctly. Remember, learning the structure of our language and using correct grammar are very difficult for the English language learner. This is a good strategy with language-impaired children as well since they often mispronounce words or phrases.
Reteaching is exactly what it implies – if a child gives an incorrect response, the teacher provides the correct answer and does “on the spot” teaching of the skill right then, in the moment. This may be difficult for some teachers since it is easier to move on to another child and ask him/her to give the correct answer. However, it is more problematic if the child learns the skill incorrectly. Because English language learners are trying to understand and take in a great deal of information, it becomes more confusing if they learn something wrong.
Changing the Mode of Response means that we simply teach it “another way.” As we discussed earlier with expressive and receptive language, a child may know the answer but is having difficulty in understanding what it is you want him to do. Teachers should not assume that the child doesn’t know just because he may not respond. Figuring out other ways to ask the question or get a response regarding a skill gives the English language learner a better chance to learn.
In the next series of clips, Dr. Argüelles discusses these three ways of providing feedback to children.
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