Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Must Know ESL Terms

 Hello everyone,

Terminology when referring to ESL students
Must know ESL terms and terminology when working with English Language Learners ELLs

Have you ever been confused with the ESL terms used in a conversation with a colleague or administrator about one of your English Language Learners (ELLs)?  Did some of the English as a Second Language (ESL) acronyms, ESL terms, or phrases confuse you when teaching, discussing, and/or sharing information about English Learners? 


You are not alone. 


There are so many ESL terms in education and they constantly are shifting.  I have compiled a list of terms to help wade through the confusion.  This is just the beginning, but to start with,  here are some must-know ESL terminology.


Terminology when referring to ESL students:

English Language Learner (ELL) ~

students who are learning English as a second language.  It includes anyone who doesn’t speak English fluently or who is still acquiring English.


Limited English Proficient (LEP) ~

a student’s language level.  LEP was employed for years to label children as English Learners. Now replaced by terms like ELL.


Early Childhood English Language Learner (ECELL) ~

an ELL below age 5 who is acquiring English as a second language.


Language minority (LM) ~

refers to a student from a family where a language other than English is spoken. It does not signify how well the student speaks or understands English.

Tips to Support English Learners





Terminology when referring to programs:

Content-based E.S.L. ~

a model of language education using content curriculum, activities, study skills, and strategies of second language learning to teach English.

ESL – English as a Second Language ~

English language programs (push in and pull out) that focus on instruction in English to English Learners.

ESOL -English to Speakers of Other Languages~

language courses at the elementary and secondary levels.  We can also use this with Adult ESL classes.

ESP – English for Specific Purposes~

instruction in or the learning of English for a certain segment of business or a particular career. 

Immersion Method ~

a  program model where children are submerged in English. English learners are put in English classes without a model, program, or any structure in place to learn English.  ELs are expected to learn English by being surrounded by or immersed in the language.


Read our blog post on co-teaching ESL here!


Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) ~

a method of teaching and learning English using a variety of technology and electronic media.


Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) ~

a teacher training program for teachers of English as a Foreign Language.


Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)  ~

teacher education programs to teach English as a Second Language.


Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) ~

the distinction of specialized education for teachers who teach English language learners.  This ESL term can also refer to the professional exams to certify a teacher in ESL.



I hope this list will help you out in your next conversation about English Language Learners or ESL programs!


Happy Teaching,

Happy Teaching!
Let’s Teach! Lori

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