Focus on Middle School: Teaching Mathematics to ELLs: Practical Research-Based Methods and Strategies

This article focuses on research-based approaches and techniques that have been found to be effective in addressing the complex and varied learning needs of students in secondary schools, particularly ELLs who struggle with the dual process of English and content acquisition in the mathematics classroom. The authors discuss ways in which practicing secondary teachers and university faculty preparing prospective teachers can apply these methods and strategies in their respective environments to lower anxiety, facilitate learning, and engage students in the process. When students gain a sense of ownership over their own learning, we may be in a better position to help close the achievement gap between ELLs and their non-ELL peers.