What is a key characteristic of Sheltered Instruction compared to ESL?

Sheltered Instruction distinguishes itself from traditional ESL methods by its emphasis on the mastery of specific content areas while simultaneously supporting English language development. This instructional approach integrates language learning with academic content, allowing students to learn subject matter in a language they are still acquiring.

For instance, in a science lesson taught through Sheltered Instruction, students not only learn scientific concepts but also develop their language skills in a relevant context. This methodology provides scaffolding and support for language learners, helping them access and understand complex materials in their academic subjects. As a result, students can make meaningful connections between language and content, which improves their overall academic performance.

Other options, while relevant to language learning, do not capture this core focus of Sheltered Instruction. Some methods may prioritize conversational fluency or interactions with native speakers, but these aspects do not specifically integrate content mastery alongside language acquisition, which is the hallmark of Sheltered Instruction.