The 6 Principles Quick Guide for Second Language Acquisition (Pack of 10)

TESOL International Association’s The 6 Principles for the Exemplary Teaching of English Learners(R) are a core set of principles for the exemplary teaching and learning of English as a new language. They are universal guidelines drawn from decades of research in language pedagogy and language acquisition theory. The 6 Principles are targets for teaching excellence and should be the foundation for any program of English language instruction. This Quick Guide uses The 6 Principles as a lens to offer an overview of the key elements involved in the second language acquisition (SLA) process, and tips on how educators can use this knowledge to assist learners in having a successful SLA experience. When educators understand the SLA process, they can make appropriate instructional decisions as they implement The 6 Principles in your classroom.

Helene Becker has been involved in the K-12 public education of multilingual learners of English internationally for more than 40 years as a teacher, a teacher trainer, an author, a program director, and now as a consultant. Her interests include helping general education teachers gain an understanding of best practices for teaching multilingual learners of English so that all students can succeed in school and beyond.

Deborah Short founded and directs Academic Language Research & Training (ALRT), a consulting company, and provides professional development on content-based English, academic literacy, and sheltered instruction worldwide. She has directed many research projects and program evaluations related to English learner education and co-developed the SIOP Model for sheltered instruction. Publications include The 6 Principles books for TESOL, SIOP Model books for Pearson, ESL textbooks like Lift, Reach Higher, Edge and Inside for National Geographic Learning, and professional journal articles. She has taught ESL and EFL, in New York, California, Virginia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She served as TESOL International Association’s President from 2020-2021.