How Important are Headsets and Focused Listening for ELL/ESL Students?
If you are a teacher who is faced with the task of providing focused listening for English Language Learners/English as a Second Language (ELL/ESL) students, it is important that you take the necessary steps to ensure that they are given the appropriate accommodations to enable them to do so. In order to do this, you will need to be familiar with the guidelines set by your state. You can also keep an eye out for resources that can help you ensure that you are meeting these standards. For example, the quality of the headsets that your students use to complete lessons and assignments through a computer-based literacy platform can make a big impact on the level of success they will be able to achieve.
If you are looking to invest in a new set of headsets to use in your classroom, it is important to consider whether or not the quality of the sound you'll be hearing is accurate. The quality of headphones is an important consideration because they are not only used to provide students with a high-quality auditory experience, but they also can impact student behavior. Let’s take a look at how sound quality and accuracy with classroom headsets influences the level of focus and retention among ELL/ESL students.
Keeping ELL/ESL students' language proficiency in mind
One of the most important factors to consider when using headsets is to keep ELLs' language proficiency in mind. They need to be given ample time to practice the pronunciation of English sounds. It is also important to make sure that they learn the meaning of words used in phonics instruction.
As an ELL student's proficiency improves, it is imperative that you continue to provide a variety of engaging instructional strategies. These strategies will boost content comprehension and academic language production.
A good first step is to create a welcoming classroom environment. This can be achieved through activities that encourage two-way communication, as well as cultural awareness. You should also provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge by acting out activities and providing examples.
One exciting tool that teachers can use to bridge the gap between ELL/ESL students and those whose first language is English is the Fluent Audio Interpreter. With its ability to provide fast, accurate interpretation in over 50 languages, the Fluent Audio Interpreter effectively eliminates language barriers, allowing ELL/ESL students to communicate freely and confidently with their teachers and classmates as they work on improving their English fluency.
This futuristic-sounding approach to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for ELL/ESL students not only can help minimize the frustration that can come with not understanding or being understood in conversations but also can give teachers a deeper understanding of any questions or concerns their ELL/ESL students might have about their assignments, classroom rules and more.
Keeping ELL/ESL students focused
In order to help ELL students succeed in the classroom, teachers must provide a variety of high-quality, meaningful activities. Using the appropriate instructional strategies can help improve their academic performance, boost peer interaction and increase their production of English language skills.
Computer-based literacy platforms and language labs can be valuable resources to help incorporate explicit instruction on English language structures and vocabulary into your lessons.
Using visuals to illustrate a concept is a good way to reinforce your material. An anchor chart can be used to keep students engaged during the lesson.
Providing students with written instructions is also a smart idea. ELL students may be confused by unfamiliar words and concepts. Therefore, it is important to provide them with examples of the correct words and phrases.
ELLs are likely to make grammatical errors. This is especially true of non-native speakers. Often, they will only speak in class for a few minutes a day. For this reason, it is crucial to keep them involved during classroom conversations. Additionally, the use of voice-response software for additional practice with pronunciation, grammar and more can help ELL students feel more confident to contribute to classroom discussions. By providing headsets that are designed to improve focused listening, ELLs can better home in on the intricacies of the English language to improve their grammar, pronunciation and usage. These headsets need not be expensive; a number of high-quality noise canceling headset options exist at a variety of price points.
Effects of passive noise-canceling headphones on auditory ability
It is well-known that classroom noise impairs cognition in students. Although noise-canceling (NC) headphones may have some promising applications, there are important questions that need to be answered about their effects on auditory ability in classrooms.
Studies have reported a wide range of outcomes when NC headphones were used in schools. These include improved concentration, learning improvement, behavior, and increased support-seeking. They have also shown the potential for higher test sensitivity and increased pure-tone screening test sensitivity.
For ELL/ESL students, the ability to channel their focus into the lesson at hand and minimize all other distractions and background noise can have a significant impact on what they are able to take away from it. This can make a big difference in how quickly they can become fluent English speakers, which can in turn have an overwhelmingly positive effect on their school experience and achievement at large.
Best Choices for Focused-Listening Headsets
If you are an ELL/ESL teacher or have a non-native English speaker in your classroom, using headsets for computer-based literacy programs is a great way to boost confidence and help with retention as your student works to improve their fluency. Here are some of our favorite noise-canceling headsets to help promote focused listening:
AVID Education AE-55 Headset with TRRS Plug
The AVID AE-55 Headset is the essential universal headset built for academic success.
Designed for quality, performance and comfort, while delivering on
various state testing and TELPAS specifications, as well as WIDA recommendations. This award-winning headset is the recipient of the Tech & Learning Best Remote Learning Tools and ISTE Best of Show awards.
HamiltonBuhl T-PRO USB School Testing Headset with Noise-Canceling Microphone
Featuring superior speaker drivers for crystal-clear sound quality, noise-reducing, deluxe ear cup design to minimize noise for better concentration and focus, and an ambient noise-canceling, adjustable, steel-reinforced Gooseneck microphone, the T-PRO is a popular choice among ELL/ESL educators. Designed for school testing and priced at just $29.95, teachers love the T-PRO’s high-quality capabilities and affordable price.
Cyber Acoustics AC-6012 USB Stereo Headset with noise-Canceling Mic
The Cyber Acoustics AC-6012 is a quality stereo headset built from the ground up. It utilizes a USB connector, compatible with any USB equipped device, such as Chromebooks, laptops, Macs, and PC's. The AC-6012 features in-line volume and mute control, unidirectional noise-canceling microphone, leatherette ear pads, a flexible boom arm, adjustable headband, durable design, and braided TuffCord™.
Cyber Acoustics AC-5812 Stereo Headset with USB and 3.5mm Connectivity
The Cyber Acoustics AC-5812 is a quality stereo headset,
perfect for today’s demanding classrooms. The CTIA compatible, 4 barrel
3.5mm jack and audio cable can be detached from the USB controller for
an additional connection option to smartphones, tablets, and more. Or
use the USB plug with controller for convenient in-line volume, mic, and
speaker mute access. The USB controller provides vol + / -, speaker on/off, and mic mute with LED indicator and the noise-cancelling microphone has an ambidextrous boom for left/right side use.
Bulk Disposable Black Silicone Tipped Earbuds
Believe it or not, headphones don’t have to break the bank or even be designed for multiple uses to still have noise-canceling capabilities! For budget-minded educators who want to ensure each student gets their own pair of focused-listening headphones, these wholesale earbuds in bulk are just right for the job. Best of all, with each pair costing as little as $1.09, you don’t have to worry if a pair gets damaged, broken or lost.
Be sure to stock up on noise-canceling headsets to help improve the focused-listening skills of your students! Whether they are ESL/ELL or native English speakers, your students can benefit greatly from using headsets to channel their focus into their lessons and away from distractions.
