What activity is most effective for accelerating English language proficiency for ELL students in speaking?

Practicing pre-taught sentence stems during collaborative activities is highly effective for accelerating speaking proficiency in English Language Learner (ELL) students. This approach provides learners with structured language frameworks that aid in constructing sentences and expressing their thoughts more fluently. Collaborative activities, such as group discussions or partner work, create a supportive environment where students can practice speaking with their peers. This interaction helps to build confidence, encourages language use in context, and fosters communicative competence.

Moreover, sentence stems serve as a scaffold that not only facilitates immediate language production but also helps students develop their understanding of syntax and grammar through practical use. By having these ready-made phrases, ELL students can focus on conveying their ideas rather than getting stuck on how to form sentences, leading to greater fluidity in their speech. This method is particularly beneficial as it promotes active engagement and allows for real-time feedback and language negotiation among students.