Engaging LESLLA Learners During Covid-19: The Nexus of Reading Strategies and Digital Tools

Abstract

For LESLLA instruction to be successful, it should include creating an engaging learning environment that relates instruction to learners’ lives, designing separate learning stations for individualized projects and more independent learning, and choosing adult-appropriate materials. Pivoting on a dime to cope with Covid-19 has illustrated the need for incorporating training in language skills alongside digital tools not only for second language (L2) learners but most importantly for LESLLA learners. Finding synergy between L2 reading and technological tools, LESLLA teachers would benefit from experiences and examples that illustrate the journey of a LESLLA teacher moving from addressing the pandemic needs right there and then to aligning instruction to the SAMR model to adapt to the “new normal”.