What are "sheltered instruction" techniques?

Sheltered instruction techniques are specifically designed to enhance the learning experience of English language learners (ELLs) by making content more accessible while simultaneously supporting and promoting their language development. This approach involves using a variety of instructional strategies, adaptations, and supports that help ELLs grasp complex subject matter without placing undue emphasis solely on language proficiency.

The essence of sheltered instruction lies in its ability to integrate language and content learning, ensuring that students are engaged with the curriculum even as they improve their English skills. This might include using visual aids, leveraging student background knowledge, incorporating group work, and maintaining a supportive classroom environment that encourages communication and interaction. These strategies are vital because they directly address the challenges ELLs face in acquiring both language and academic content concurrently.

Other options do not capture the full intention of sheltered instruction. For instance, assessing writing skills focuses solely on evaluating student performance rather than providing support for language acquisition. Teaching native language alongside English may also be beneficial but does not reflect the specific techniques used in sheltered instruction, which primarily aims to enhance comprehension of content in English. Lastly, techniques that exclude language support contradict the fundamental purpose of sheltered instruction, which is to ensure that language learners receive the necessary guidance to succeed in an English-dominant environment.