Jossette Taveras

Educ 553-ESOL Materials and Curriculum Development

Dr. Enid Rentas
September 6, 2015
Task 7.3 Review Questions
1. Name five characteristics of effective language learners.
a. They:
i. Understand their learning style
ii. Are active engaged learners
iii. Understand the language is just a part of a new culture
iv. Have a passion for learning
v. Are confident enough to commit errors
2. Compare cognitive and metacognitive strategies using the graphic organizer of your
choice.

3. Among the instructional strategies within differentiated instruction there is one called
tiering. What is tiering and how would you apply it in the classroom?

Tiering is a way of tackling diverse needs at the same time. Teachers meet various levels
of preparation such as students who are below the level of instruction, those who just met the
level and students that go beyond the level.
As the lessons are created by the teacher, she has to consider the students level and make
the students achieve the same objectives by assigning a variety of activities that fulfill the needs
of the students at each tier. For example, if a teacher is teaching the students the rules to follow
during and after an earthquake

Tier 1: Reviews the content on rules to follow during and after earthquake, write a

brochure (product) and explain it to the class

Tier 2: Reviews the same material but design a skit or short play to dramatize (product)

those rules or steps to follow.

Tier 3: Reviews the rules and runs a guided research on the possible causes of
earthquakes and the aftermath effects. They will make a Power Point presentation
(product).
It is shown here that the lesson and the tier product varies depending on the level the

student belongs to.

When tiering takes place in the reading/writing center it may be as follows:
Tier 1: Student goes to the reading center and uses a computer program that assist him on the
reading of a short story, by giving feedback on the words that the student does not understand or
pronounce correctly and provide the visual aids necessary. The student may make a colorful
poster with the new concepts and an image to relate it with and place it in a visible spot in the
classroom.

Tier 2: Student reads the story with only the visual aids and writes a sentence that summarizes
the beginning, middle and ending of the story. Makes a drawing related to any of the parts and
places it in the centers designated area for further evaluation.
Tier 3: Students may read the story and do a Venn diagram to compare and contrast characters,
setting, other story or stories read.
Tiering aids in respecting the diversity we may encounter in the classrooms. It requires
that teachers thoroughly know their students and provide the appropriate work so they can create
the background knowledge necessary in order to keep moving forward and advance in the 5
stages of second language acquisition, as well.