Introduction

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As an ESL instructor in a sheltered classroom, I recognize the importance of creating a safe, inviting, and culturally aware environment before introducing a new lesson or teaching any content. My innovation plan of science e-portfolios is designed to help students showcase their prior knowledge—academic or life experiences—from their native countries, using technology to aid them. Students will begin by sharing their stories through pictures and written narratives about their transition to America. This approach will encourage interactions among classmates who may not typically communicate due to language differences and prompt students to think more deeply about their learning. This creative approach will allow students to take ownership of their knowledge, allowing them to be more likely to invest in their education, tackle more complex tasks, and engage fully in their academic work. Using technology to enhance the learning experience, I aim to help students develop persistence in the face of setbacks, improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and feel more confident in asking questions and sharing ideas regardless of language level. In my article, I also suggest that these strategies help improve their written and oral English language skills by establishing a classroom management approach that supports learning and positive behavior.

 

Topic

 

My topic is "5 Tips for Managing an ESL Classroom." This article will discuss how effective classroom management can enhance our understanding of each student's unique needs and provide best practices for teaching in a multilingual environment. Key points will include communicating with translated instructions, incorporating wait time into lesson plans, establishing structure and routines, utilizing visual aids, and fostering cultural awareness—both for the teacher and the students. Creating and maintaining a supportive learning environment will also benefit my innovation plan of implementing e-portfolios. Well-managed classrooms can improve academic performance, increase engagement, and cause fewer behavioral issues. Successful classroom management ultimately makes lessons more effective and impactful.

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Publications

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1. English Language Teaching Journal 

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This journal interests me because it publishes research on English teaching, which aligns with my current work. My experience would be relevant to this journal, so I am considering submitting my work.

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Requirements :

• Submissions cannot be published elsewhere

• Paper Submission Guide: MS Word or PDF

• The decision to accept an article is based on the average score given by reviewers. The reviewers grade a submitted manuscript on a scale of 1 to 5. To be accepted for publication, the manuscript must obtain an average score of not less than 2.5

• If the paper is accepted for publication, you will be asked to pay an Article Processing Charge (Formatting and Hosting): 400 USD/article.

 

2. Edutopia 

 

Edutopia focuses on effective education strategies and offers tools to help educators adopt or adapt best practices. It showcases stories of innovation and ongoing learning in real-world classrooms. I am familiar with the publication and believe my article would align well with its content.

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Requirements:

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• A few sentences describing your proposed article and a detailed outline or description (the finished article will be around 850–1,000 words)

• Links to any multimedia you plan to include

• A few words about the intended target audience for your article (e.g., high school math teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, etc.)

• A roughly 80-word bio with details about your role in education, including your current job

• Three to five links to other pieces (if any) you’ve written, particularly for academic publications

• Full disclosure of any commercial interest in any products or services mentioned

• Your X (formerly Twitter) handle, if you have one

 

 

Benefits for Others

 

If published, this article would greatly benefit others, particularly those in an ESL setting. It could help educators utilize e-portfolios and support new and experienced teachers in managing a sheltered classroom effectively. The insights offered can be directly applied to their teaching practices. Additionally, the article will emphasize the positive impact of using technology as a language learning tool, which enhances the learning experience by promoting collaboration and student ownership while supporting linguistic achievement. This article will be valuable not only for ESL-sheltered educators but also for on-level classrooms serving first- and second-year monitored students who have exited the program and students whose parents have chosen to opt-out.

 

Lessons 

 

I hope to learn how to create better and simpler lesson plans for teaching students who speak uncommon or tribal languages that are difficult to translate. Further, I would like to enhance my skills in monitoring student goals and achievements. Ultimately, I aim to positively impact young people's lives by improving communication, making learning enjoyable, and creating new experiences in their new school environment.

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Digital Resources

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The primary digital resource highlighted in the article is Google Sites. I will use this platform with my students to implement my innovation plan effectively. My article on managing an ESL classroom is essential for establishing the tone and expectations for my innovation plan to be successful.  Students will utilize their pre-established Google accounts to create a free website using Google Sites. They will have the freedom to choose the initial design and content of their ePortfolio, but it will remain private within the ALIEF ISD domain. Google Sites integrates seamlessly with other Google Apps, such as Maps, Forms, Documents, Videos, Slideshows, and more, making it user-friendly. The platform offers various features, including uploading videos, collaborating in real-time, adding photos, and customizing themes. The students and teacher will also use Google Translate to translate multiple forms of text and media, which includes text, speech, and text within still or moving images.