Microlearning: ELL Strategies

Microlearning is a vital aspect of professional learning and development. Working professionals are pressed for time and often juggling work and personal life demands. This, combined with a tech-rich world, make microlearning the perfect solution for providing quick on the job training that is ready and accessible anytime (Zhang & West, 2020). Chunking, or breaking apart larger topics into manageable pieces, is essential for learners of all ages to process and retain information. Microlearning is a perfect fit for each chunk of vital information, to teach one key skill, to enhance performance in one area, or to modify one specific behavior. Microlearnings are created to be short, specific, accessible on any device, and provide learner accountability through mini assessments (American College of Education, 2022).

Part of my teaching day is spent pushing into classrooms to assist with English Language Learners (ELLs). I have noticed that there is a need for targeted ELL strategy training among many teachers. While there is a plethora of strategies teachers can employ to support their ELL students, I created a microlearning experience that will help teachers learn or be reminded of three strategies for immediate implementation in the classroom. It only takes 3-5 minutes to complete and utilizes Canva, making it accessible on any device. It is meant to increase the support level for ELL students and encourage teachers to include at least one strategy in every lesson plan. The training begins will a reflection based on a real teaching scenario, followed by information and examples of the three strategies, a short assessment, and a final reflection. Participants will share their lesson plans, noting in it their ELL strategy implementation, with their Curriculum Resource Teacher to ensure knowledge application. A downloadable/printable resource is provided at the end for participants to use as a reference. Check out the training plan with links to the training and agenda below!

Microlearning Training Plan: ELL Strategies

References

American College of Education. (2022). DL5763 Trends in instructional design: Module 2 [Part 1 presentation]. Canvas. https://ace.instructure.com/courses/2018748/external_tools/118428

Zhang, J., & West, R. E. (2020). Designing microlearning instruction for professional development through a competency based approach. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 64(2), 310–318. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-019-00449-4