Penn State students helped English language learners (ELLs) during virtual tutoring sessions in October at the College of Education’s Krause Innovation Studio for a course titled CI 280: Teaching English Language Learners (ELLs). During the tutoring sessions, Penn State students help elementary and middle-school students from the Hazleton One Community Center in Hazleton to develop their language, literacy and math skills.
CI 280 in learn lab
Students in the Learn Lab in Chambers Building (part of the College of Education’s Krause Innovation Studio) take part in virtual tutoring sessions in the course CI 280: Introduction to Teaching English Language Learners. Megan Hopkins, professor in charge, said, “The Learn Lab provides a space that facilitates the use of technology, which is a core part of the program.”
Instructor May Lee prepares students for class
May Lee (standing), instructor of education and curriculum and instruction field experiences, speaks to her students in her class, preparing them for their tutoring sessions. Students work in pairs with English language learners from Hazleton, which has the fastest growing Latino population in the state, according to Megan Hopkins, professor in charge.
Tutor video chatting with elementary student
Kevin Lynch and his partner chat with their Hazleton student on a laptop computer once per week for eight weeks. “The tutors develop a relationship with someone who likely comes from a different cultural and linguistic background than their own,” Megan Hopkins, professor in charge, said. “They learn that they must attend to each ELL’s needs individually and understand the academic, social,... Read more ›
Students provide virtual tutoring through video chat
Sabrina Scurry and Nicholas Seman participate in tutoring sessions, which usually last between 45 minutes and one hour.
Student pair video chatting with an ELL
Hae In Lee (left) and Colleen Quisenberry, CI 280 students, wear headphones to listen to their student during a virtual tutoring session.
CI 280 virtual tutoring class
May Lee (standing), instructor of education and curriculum and instruction field experiences, walks around the Learn Lab to assist her CI 280 students as they perform virtual tutoring sessions with English language learner students in Hazleton. “The field experience makes a difference for teacher candidates because it provides them an opportunity to mentor and develop relationships with... Read more ›
CI 280 students video chat with an ELL
Thespina Skenderis (left) and Stephanie Nemeth chat with their student about the day’s activities and learn more about him.
Student pair video chatting with an ELL
Alexandra Gold and Keith McFarland have fun learning about their virtual tutoring student. “CI 280 was developed as the result of a state mandate that requires all education majors (and others entering related fields) to take a course related to working with ELLs,” said professor in charge Megan Hopkins. “Although the state does not require a field experience in the course, research has shown... Read more ›
