FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What strategy can an ESOL teacher use to connect English and Spanish words effectively?

1. Creating flashcards

2. Building a word wall with cognates

3. Using a bilingual dictionary

4. Conducting pair work with peers

The correct answer is: Building a word wall with cognates

Building a word wall with cognates is an effective strategy for an ESOL teacher to connect English and Spanish words because it visually illustrates the relationships between similar words in both languages. Cognates are words that have similar spelling and meaning in two languages, which can significantly enhance vocabulary acquisition for English language learners. By displaying these words in the classroom, students can easily reference and compare them, reinforcing their understanding of both languages. This strategy encourages recognition of patterns between English and Spanish, thereby fostering connections that aid in retention and comprehension. Word walls can also serve as a constant visual reminder, allowing students to engage with the vocabulary regularly and familiarize themselves with it in a practical context. While creating flashcards, using a bilingual dictionary, and conducting pair work with peers can also support language learning, they do not provide the same ongoing visual reinforcement and systematic grouping of cognates that a word wall offers.