Academic Language
Notice in your observation the ways academic language is used by the teacher and by the
students. Specifically, take notes that strengthen your understanding of academic language
functions and forms. Use the following grid to collect your thoughts throughout the lesson.
Language Functions: Students use need to use language by speaking, listening, reading
What way(s) do students need to participate and demonstrate the ability to dribble a basketball
to use language (reading, while reading a list of words on the wall. The objective was to
writing, listening and/or never stop your dribble while reading and saying each individual
speaking) to participate in letter off the list.
learning tasks and
demonstrate their learning for
this lesson?
How are students using
language to engage with
content and interact with one Students use language to engage with each other by answering
another? (to express ideas, questions and discussing their opinions. Before the start of a new
communicate with others, activity, a question about a previous skill taught was asked and
describe processes, compare, students turned to a peer to answer it. For example, the teacher
classify, defend an argument) asked, “what does it look like for a perfect follow through”.
Linguistic Forms: Students are supported to engaged with the structure of words
How are students supported because the teacher compares movements to create a better
to engage with the structure understanding of the topic at hand. For example, he uses a Giraffes
of words and phrases? Listen neck to illustrate how he wants and how a follow through on a
for the use of verbs (analyze, shot should look like.
contrast), nouns (conclusion,
analysis), and complex
prepositions (as well as, in
contrast).
Notice the use of sentence
frames (if used) to support
students to successfully use Sentence frames was displayed.
language. “The shot that is close to the basket is a ____ “
Vocabulary:
The key content vocabulary is basketball and dribbling. The teacher
What is the key content
uses many examples and cue words to further educate his students
vocabulary of this lesson?
including “bouncing, eye contact, follow through”. These words are
How is it introduced and
explained through student demonstration or he speaks to the
explained by the teacher?
entire class prior to demo the task. Students are encouraged to
In what ways are students
engaged with the vocabulary because he asked the correct
encouraged to engage with
questions and he offers a friendly environment in which one
the vocabulary? person talks at a time.
Students was encouraged to engage with one another with brief
Increased Interaction:
partner talks about a question asked. In addition to that the
In what ways are students
teacher provides a healthy environment to where students can
encouraged to engage with
help each other on dribbling. Throughout the class i was hearing
one another to strengthen
“it's like this”, “good job bro”. This commentary I think is a positive
their use of academic
sign as you see some teamwork.
language? For example, do
you see students engaged in
turn and talks, partner talk, or
small group discussion?
Support:
I feel like demonstration and repeating something will best support
How would you support
students in meeting learning objectives whether its reaching
students so they can
language demands or understanding a movement.
understand and use the
language demands in meeting
the learning objectives of the
lesson?
