In helping ELLs improve their spoken fluency, what can teachers do effectively?

Providing opportunities for spontaneous conversation is highly effective in helping English Language Learners (ELLs) improve their spoken fluency. This approach allows students to practice their language skills in real-world contexts, which enhances their ability to think and respond quickly in English. Spontaneous conversation encourages ELLs to use vocabulary and grammar structures that they have learned, promoting language acquisition in a more natural and dynamic environment.

Engaging in spontaneous dialogue helps students become more comfortable with the language, as they are required to express their thoughts and ideas without relying on prepared scripts or limited grammatical structures. This type of interaction also fosters confidence, as students learn to navigate conversations and community discussions—skills that are crucial for their overall communication proficiency.

Additionally, spontaneous conversation often leads to opportunities for negotiation of meaning, clarification, and collaborative learning, which all contribute to deepening their understanding and use of the language.