Touro University TESOL candidate Anastasios Panagiotidis’ Discussion Board on SIOP

Touro University TESOL: EDDN 637 – Second Language Learners and the Content Areas

Students will become acquainted with and practice effective approaches, methods, and strategies for teaching and evaluating English language learners in the content areas (ELA, social studies, math and science). Throughout the course, students will explore the impact of culture and language on classroom learning. Special challenges in teaching and assessment in each content area will also be discussed. Includes 15 hours of field work.

Anastasios Panagiotidis is a dedicated high school Earth Science teacher serving the South Huntington Union Free School District. As he approaches his tenure year at the age of 25, he recognizes that his career is still in its early stages. However, his passion for education and commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment drive his work every day. Inspired by the culturally and academically diverse student population he teaches, he strives to design engaging, student-centered lessons that not only address individual needs but also connect learning to real-world contexts. His ultimate goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of their language proficiency or academic abilities, has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential under his instruction.

Touro University contributes to the tools, knowledge, and wisdom I strive to acquire as I continue to develop and mature as an educator, while allowing me the opportunity to broaden my horizons in a wide variety of areas relative to the rapidly evolving field of education.

Anastasios Panagiotidis, Touro University TESOL candidate

The SIOP Model: An Essential Framework for ESL Instruction by Prof. Dr. Jasmin Cowin

The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) is a research-based instructional model designed to support English Learners (ELs) in developing both content knowledge and English language proficiency simultaneously. Developed by Echevarria, Vogt, and Short, the SIOP model provides a structured approach to lesson planning and delivery, ensuring that ELs receive comprehensible input and meaningful language support across content areas.

As a TESOL educator, understanding and implementing the SIOP model is essential for effective ESL instruction. The model provides a structured yet flexible framework that ensures ELs have equitable access to academic content while simultaneously developing their language proficiency. By integrating language and content instruction, teachers can create an inclusive classroom environment that promotes both linguistic and cognitive development for English Learners.

The SIOP Model: Components and Structure

The SIOP framework consists of eight interrelated components that guide teachers in designing effective lessons for ELs:

1. Lesson Preparation
   • Clearly defined content and language objectives
   • Use of supplementary materials to support comprehension
   • Meaningful activities that integrate both content and language practice
2. Building Background
   • Explicitly linking students’ background knowledge to new content
   • Connecting past learning experiences to new concepts
   • Introducing and reinforcing key vocabulary
3. Comprehensible Input
   • Adjusting speech for EL proficiency levels
   • Using clear explanations of academic tasks
   • Incorporating visuals, gestures, and realia to support understanding
4. Strategies
   • Teaching students learning strategies to support comprehension
   • Encouraging metacognitive awareness and self-monitoring of learning
   • Scaffolding tasks through teacher modeling, guided practice, and peer collaboration
5. Interaction
   • Promoting student-to-student discourse using structured peer interactions
   • Designing opportunities for extended academic conversations
   • Encouraging collaborative learning experiences
6. Practice & Application
   • Providing hands-on learning experiences
   • Integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities
   • Allowing ELs to apply language skills in meaningful contexts
7. Lesson Delivery
   • Ensuring objectives are clearly communicated and met
   • Keeping students engaged and maintaining an appropriate pace
   • Aligning instruction with student needs
8. Review & Assessment
   • Regularly reviewing key concepts and vocabulary
   • Conducting formative assessments to monitor comprehension
   • Providing feedback to guide language and content development

Anastasios Panagiotidis’ Discussion Board provides excellent insight into Building Background.