Exploring English Language Arts

Hello again!

This blog entry will focus on the IRP (Integrated Resource Package) teaching document for English Language Arts (ELA). In addition to the IRP, there will also be a focus on discussing who today's ELA students are and how they essentially learn.

The IRP offers a general outline for teaching requirements, descriptions of essential elements that must be incorporated into lesson plans, and strategies for student's overall learning achievements. It is the inclusion of these elements that makes the IRP a helpful tool. The IRP contains practical information regarding the aims and goals of English Language Arts, which is beneficial to teachers of all levels since it gives a general framework to use as a starter in developing lesson plans. It offers a wide-ranging discussion on the diverse ways children learn and contains suggestions for closing the academic gap between their achievements. The IRP also gives an outline of what is needed in the classroom and what a teacher must incorporate or consider to make a successful learning environment. Taken as a whole, the IRP is a great guide to steer teachers' thinking in the right direction regarding the overall educational experiences of their students.

Who are today's English Language Arts students and how do they learn? Today's ELA students are diverse learners who can benefit greatly from a diverse learning environment. Students may be predominantly visual learners, auditory learners, tactile learners, or a combination of two or more learning types. I think that today's students would benefit most from a classroom that incorporates all of these learning styles within lesson plans. The more diverse the teaching modes the more likely everyone is getting something they need to learn to their best potential.

It is also important to remember that students are ethnically diverse as well. Due to this diversity, there can be differences in certain areas of English Language Arts, such as styles of communication. It is essential for teachers to be aware of these differences in order to avoid misunderstandings and learning difficulties. It is also important to accept these cultural differences and use them to create an environment where students are able to thrive and grow.

Today's students are also a lot more technologically savvy then they used to be. There is regular use of computers, multimedia players, video game consoles, as well as a number of other electronic devices. This is why I think that today's students would benefit the most in their learning with the inclusion of technology in the classroom. The inclusion of PowerPoint presentations and online activities such as blogs and podcasts could increase their interest and attention levels, as well as their desire to participate in classroom activities; thus increasing their overall learning experience.

Since today's students are very diverse, in both cultural aspects and learning styles, and are used to constant stimulation from their use of technology, it is important to find ways to keep them motivated. There are many different motivational techniques teachers can use which include the attainment of rewards and punishments, confidence-building tasks, attention-focusing tasks, and relevance-based lessons. In a study by Newby (1991) it was found that motivation was greatest when teachers used relevance-based techniques. These could include making a task relevant to students' lives and incorporating aspects of personal interest. I think that making a lesson relevant can increase the enthusiasm and effort a student will put towards their studies.

These are my general thoughts on the importance of the IRP and today's ELA students. I am very excited to see how these thoughts will influence my future actions and lessons in the classroom, as well as evolve with the increase in classroom teaching experience!

Until next time!

Laura