The Future of Education

The continued demand and unique learning environment for  English Language Learners (ELLs) is ever changing as educators focus on best practices to promote optimal learning for 21^st century students. Central to the demand for revitalizing the classroom experience and infusing technology throughout the curriculum is the call from leaders in business and industry to prepare students to enter the 21^st century workforce, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Expert English language skills are often tantamount to achieving success in this endeavor and keeping up with the rapid pace of learning. Not only are well educated students expected to demonstrate observable and measurable ELL skills, they need to exhibit strengths critical to cross disciplinary fields as well as collaborative active learning methods.

           This study will present instructional methods that focus on unique active learning environments, highlighting experiences from science disciplines, and emphasize direct ELL preparation to ensure success and promote purposeful collaboration. Teaching strategies and methodologies focusing on active, hands-on learning in the ELL classroom and science will be discussed. Challenging activities will be suggested that can be adjusted for a variety of abilities across age groups featuring key transferable competencies. Exploration of best practices that build a culture of innovation and prepare students for the global workforce will be addressed. This type of curriculum offers strategies integral to ELL learning with focused interactions among students and teachers. Future focused ELL pedagogy and coursework reflecting cross disciplinary content and creatively engaged and involved students in an inclusive learning environment will be discussed along with accompanying assessment methods to build on students’ strengths and prior knowledge. The goal is to demonstrate positive outcomes in both content and communication in a vibrant ELL learning environment as students confront rigorous expectations and crucial conversations. These collaborative connections interwoven with hands on methodologies and active learning featuring evidence-based best practices and accomplishments will ensure optimum learning for ELL students as they set active goals, meeting expectations of leaders in business and industry integral to their success.