Welcome
This module introduces educators and other interested stakeholders to an ever-growing segment of the student population: multilingual learners (MLs). You will read about the unique characteristics of MLs as well as their needs in the classroom and the practices commonly used to address them. The complicated issue of MLs languishing in ESL services and becoming long-term MLs is explored, as is the importance of guiding MLs to become strong readers. The module concludes with a preview of the contents of the ML Module Series.
Time estimate: 2 – 2.5 hours
Welcome!
Welcome to the Multilingual Learner series! We present 10 modules in this series, all of which are geared towards educators and other interested stakeholders who want to further their knowledge and skills in pursuit of an equitable society where learners’ cultural, linguistic, and ethnic identities are honored and validated.
English learners, referred to as multilingual learners (MLs) in this series, are by far the fastest-growing student population nationwide. Yet, they are an underserved student group, who deserve equal opportunities and access to resources to achieve academic success. It is our intention, therefore, to provide educators with opportunities to reflect on their teaching practices and explore ways in which they can help MLs see themselves as well as others a valued part of the world. To this end, we will be covering a range of topics in this series to help you (1) understand MLs’ diverse needs and strengths and (2) serve them better in your classrooms, schools, and communities. Thank you for being an advocate for MLs who, thanks to your dedication, will go on to enrich our communities and shape our nation.
Prerequisites
None.
Device Recommendation
We recommend using a 12-inch screen or bigger to view the online module for the best display of information and readability.
Module Description
This module is intended to serve as an introduction to working with multilingual learners (MLs) in your school. MLs are an ever-growing student population whom you have no doubt encountered in your tenure in education. You may have noticed that while MLs have similarities to their non-ML peers in the classroom, they have distinct differences from their peers as well. Being aware of these differences and learning evidence-based practices that address them will further increase the positive learning atmosphere in your classroom – a classroom where everyone succeeds. This module will
- increase your understanding of the backgrounds and needs of MLs
- help you gain awareness of the responsibilities we have as educators who serve MLs
- introduce the importance of literacy development in MLs’ home languages and English
- preview topics covered in the following modules of the ML module series.
Learning Objectives
Describe characteristics of MLs and how they are classified in Ohio
Identify the instructional supports MLs are provided in schools
Recognize the obligations school districts have to serve MLs
Identify specific issues that prevent MLs from closing the achievement gap with their non-ML peers
Course Navigation, Design, and Policies
Throughout each course, you will see a Course Outline with a green ribbon and the title of the course at the top right corner of the page. The outline displays every section of the course. Click any section to jump right to it.
At any time you are in a module, you can go back to the Home Module page by clicking the Back to Module button located directly under the module outline.
As you go through the course, you will have the opportunity to click the Mark Complete box at the end of each section. When you do this, the sections you have completed will be crossed off in your outline, and you will be taken to the next section of the course.
Your progress will automatically be saved within the learning management system, and you can view your course progress through the progress bar located near the top of most sections.
Exiting and Resuming a Module
Know that your progress will automatically be saved within the learning management system. If you exit the website, once you log back in you can easily access your courses by clicking the on the My Dashboard button located on the gray ribbon on top of every page.
Note Feature within the Modules
Throughout each module, you will notice some Reflection boxes that provide various prompts. Each reflection will be in a grey box with an image of a pen/lightbulb. A built in feature of each module is the ability to take notes and save them for your future use. This feature can be used within any part of the module, but is especially helpful for the reflection activities.
To access the note feature, simply click on the purple Take Notes button fixed in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. When you click on this button, a Take Notes box will appear. This box can be moved anywhere on the screen. Within the box, there is a SAVE button as well as a Print Button.
The easiest way to print all the notes you take from the entire module is to click View All Notes. When you click View All Notes, you will be taken to a page like the one below.
Click the boxes of the Notes you would like to print, and then click Download Selected. All your notes will be downloaded into one document separated by headers.
All Ohio’s comprehensive learning modules are relevant to any educator working to support students’ literacy development. In each module, you will find in-depth narrative text, linked resources, realistic scenarios, reflection activities, and embedded audio and videos.
Each module is self-paced. The approximate time for completion of the module is listed in the Simple View of Reading Module text box on the home page of the module.
Additional information included on each module’s home page include:
- Required prerequisites for the module.
- A more detailed description of the module.
- Helpful downloadable resources for the module including an outline of the module’s content and supporting resources, a step-by-step guide to assist you in navigating the professional learning modules, and an in-depth information about the purpose and key elements of the Ohio Literacy Library.
Certificates
Professional Development Certificates
are available for each comprehensive learning module. To earn a Professional Development Certificate, you must obtain a passing score of 85% or more on the module post-test. Please note that you are only allowed up to two attempts to obtain a passing score to earn your certificate.Badges
When completing professional development modules within All Ohio, you can earn badges based on your engagement in and mastery of content within each comprehensive learning module. You earn
Achievement Badges when you demonstrate proficiency with module content (i.e., obtaining a score of at least 85%), whereas Engagement Badges are awarded based on your level of participation on the site. Your earned Certificates and Badges will be displayed on your “All Ohio Dashboard.”
High standards of honesty and integrity are expected when completing professional development within this learning management system. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, dishonesty in the completion of activities and/or claiming credit for work not done or done by others. Any violation of these expectations can result in removal from this learning management system.
If you have any issues with accessing the content or functionality of this course, please email: allohioprojectteam@uc.edu
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Helpful Resources Related to this Module
Module Resources
An outline of the module’s main content and supporting resources.
Welcome & Navigation
Step-by-step guide to assist you in navigating the professional learning modules.
Ohio Literacy Library
In-depth information about the purpose and key elements of the Ohio Literacy Library.
