HELP Math Pedagogy

	HELP Math Instructional Pedagogy
	 HELP Math employs a research-based pedagogy for teaching ELLs mathematics and other academic content that had proved effective in a classroom setting. This instructional methodology is called Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol or the SIOP Model (Short & Echevarria, 1999). The sheltered method—devised initially for ELLs—is proving to be increasingly popular with non-ELL teachers and has demonstrated remarkable success with non-ELL students in a classroom setting.

Click here to see a demonstration of the use of sheltered instruction techniques.

	 The purpose of this video is to offer the viewer an understanding of what it feels like for a non-native speaker to learn math content in a second language. In this six minute video, Lynda Franco, expert in English language acquisition, takes the listener through a mathematics lesson. The first two minutes of instruction are provided solely in Spanish in a manner typifying teacher-led textbook practice. In the second part of the video, Ms. Franco delivers the same math lesson; however, this time, she uses sheltered instruction techniques to illuminate the content.

HELP Math is the first instructional program to successfully incorporate sheltered instruction practices into a comprehensive academic curriculum using technology.
HELP’s sheltered instruction is designed to improve a student’s understanding of the content, while simultaneously developing their English language proficiency using specific techniques:

	 Increasing comprehensibility by scaffolding the learning, e.g. breaking down concepts into small, comprehensible “learning chunks”; synchronizing visuals, audio and interactivity.
	 Targeting vocabulary development by emphasizing math content language as well as academic English; available to students as hyperlinked words within the instruction, and within an online dictionary of mathematical terms.
	 Providing bilingual support which offers further student support. Teacher has the option of switching on/off.
	 Explicitly teaching problem-solving and test-taking skills, providing multiple opportunities for student responses and immediate corrective feedback when errors are made.

If you would like more information about the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and Language Instruction Educational Programs NCELA; please click this link. 