Two of the most common programs used to assist non-native English speakers are ELL (English Language Learner) and ESL (English as a Second Language). While both programs aim to improve English proficiency, their approaches, target audiences, and educational settings differ.
English is everywhere! And for at least the past 20 years it has become the unofficial global communication language. According to recent data, over 1.5 billion people are actively learning English. All of these people have recognized the importance of learning English for integrating into new academic and social environments. As this number continues to grow, there is an increased demand to understand the official ways to master the language —ELL (English Language Learner) and ESL (English as a second language).
However, the question for many lies: ELL vs ESL—which is the right choice? To answer that question we need to distinguish ELL and ESL. Understanding the difference between the two provides educators, parents, and policymakers with the necessary knowledge to deliver the most efficient and customized language support possible.
What is ELL?
An English Language Learner, or ELL, is a student whose first language is not English. What sets ELLs apart from others learning English is that they simultaneously keep up with their academic coursework—meaning they learn English parallel to their math, social studies, and literature classes. Basically, ELLs are students who learn English as part of their school curricula.
As such, ELL programs are defined as specialized language support integrated into the education system, in harmony with the traditional curriculum.
Teachers, administrators, and all other actors involved in ELL programs use targeted strategies to promote language development, such as modifying lesson plans, offering one-on-one tutoring, and creating a supportive learning environment where students can thrive both academically and linguistically.
As a result, ELL programs have become integral to the proficiency of non-native English speakers, allowing them to achieve academic success while gradually becoming proficient in English.
What Is ESL?
ESL, or English as a Second Language, refers to specialized programs or classes designed to teach English to non-native speakers. Unlike ELL (which involves students learning English as part of their everyday school curricula), ESL focuses solely on developing English language skills. The main goal of these programs is to equip students with the necessary language skills to function in an English-speaking environment, be that for academic, professional, or social purposes.
ESL programs are the bedrock of learning English as a new language and, as such, focus exclusively on language acquisition to help students build a strong foundation in English. This means they are structured to target key aspects of language acquisition, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. All of these programs are designed in consideration of students’ proficiency level.
Typically, we see ESL classes offered in colleges, community centers, schools, or even online communities. Because ESL is taught in various settings, the programs provide flexible learning environments for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Differences Between ELL and ESL
As discussed above, ELL and ESL are both designed to teach English to non-native speakers but they differ in their application: ELL is integrated into the education system, and ESL is a specialized English class. Below we will explore some of the stark differences between ELL and ESL, discussing in detail how learning environments, student demographics, and teaching methods and objectives are approached by both programs.
Learning environment
The learning environments for ELL and ESL students differ significantly, which impacts how language acquisition is approached.
A typical learning environment for ELL students is a mainstream classroom, where they learn alongside native English speakers while receiving additional language support. This integration allows ELL students to practice English in real-world contexts while engaging with a standard curriculum.
However, this setting requires teachers to adapt instruction using strategies such as differentiated learning, visual aids, and simplified language to ensure that ELL students can keep pace with their English-speaking peers.
On the other hand, ESL students often learn in ESL-specific classrooms where the focus is solely on English language development. Their peers are all non-English speakers who are seeking proficiency in English. This learning environment provides more structured and intensive language instruction, in which the teachers concentrate on building fundamental language skills without the pressure of covering non-language subjects.
Ultimately, the type of program and the learning environment both affect how the teacher delivers the lesson and how the students engage with it; therefore, each approach has its advantages.
Student demographics
ELL students are all school children since these programs are integrated into the K-12 education system. They come from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, such as recent immigrants, refugees, or simply from non-English speaking households.
ESL, on the other hand, has a broader student demographic because it is a specialized class anyone can join. ESL students are mostly adults, such as international students or professionals, looking to improve their English skills for academic or career purposes.
For example, in an immigrant family from a non-English-speaking country to an English-speaking country, the children would be enrolled in an ELL program, while the parents would attend an ESL class.
Teaching methods and objectives
Lastly, the teaching methods and objectives in ELL and ESL programs are in line with each program’s distinct goals and settings. The teaching methods used in both programs are designed with the programs’ objectives in mind as well as the student’s needs.
In ELL programs, the aim is to integrate English language learning with academic content.
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Teachers use different learning strategies, like scaffolding, where complex tasks are broken into manageable steps, and language modeling, where they demonstrate language use through examples and guided practice. This approach helps students develop both academic language proficiency and content knowledge.
In contrast, an ESL class incorporates practical applications, such as immersion techniques and specialized instruction for everyday communication or specific contexts. This is because the main goal of an ESL program is to help students become confident and fluent in functional English, including academic and real-world scenarios.
Similarities Between ELL and ESL
Despite their distinct differences, ELL and ESL programs do share similarities in their approach to language education.
The main similarity is the ultimate goal of each program — equipping students with the language skills they need to thrive in English-speaking environments.
Another overlap between the two programs is that these programs recognize and integrate the diverse cultural backgrounds of learners into the educational process. This could involve incorporating multicultural literature in language lessons or providing resources in students’ native languages to foster a sense of inclusion and respect for their cultural identities.
In a similar fashion, both programs:
- use various strategies such as vocabulary acquisition, grammar improvement, and fostering communication skills
- provide customized instruction to address individual language needs and challenges, ensuring each student receives the support they need to succeed
- help enhance academic and social success by equipping students with the language skills needed to thrive and engage effectively in English-speaking environments
Challenges Faced by ELL and ESL Students
While the programs are designed for the benefit of the students, still, ELL and ESL students face challenges in these learning environments. Addressing such challenges is crucial for fostering their success in a new educational environment.
Some of the most common challenges both ELL and ESL include:
- language barriers and challenges in understanding complex academic texts for ELL students or expressing oneself effectively in social situations for ESL students
- cultural differences, especially when adjusting to new social norms and educational practices
- keeping up with coursework that requires strong language skills and maintaining a good academic record
- isolation, anxiety, and low confidence, especially when communication is difficult, or when students feel disconnected from peers
- adapting to new systems, i.e., unfamiliar teaching methods and cultural expectations.
These challenges reflect the complex environment of an ELL and ESL classroom and highlight the need for support and understanding for student success.
Choosing the Right Program
Both programs come with their distinctive benefits and disadvantages. As such, to choose which one is the ideal solution, one must consider the student’s needs and educational goals.
An ELL program might be the best fit for students still in school because they develop their English language skills while engaging with mainstream academic subjects. Conversely, an ESL program would be more suitable if a student requires focused language instruction to develop functional communication skills for everyday use or professional advancement.
Lastly, one should also consider factors such as:
- the student’s current proficiency level
- the desired language outcomes
- the resources available at the educational institution
Thus, before any decision is made, parents, educators, and administrators should consider how each program aligns with the student’s learning needs, cultural background, and long-term objectives.
Explore Language Programs at BAU
For those seeking specialized ESL programs that offer year-round support and a range of preparatory classes, consider Bay Atlantic University’s Mentora College. We provide tailored English language instruction for adults and teens, alongside social trips and activities that further aid the learning experience.
Learn more about our ESL offerings at BAU and take the next step in your language-learning journey.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences (as well as the similarities) between ELL and ESL programs is the first step in offering effective language support to students. While both programs aim to enhance English proficiency and foster student success, ELL does that by integrating language acquisition within the formal education context, while ESL focuses on functional communication skills.
Understanding these distinctions ensures that students receive the right support. We encourage you to explore and evaluate language programs to find the best fit to reach your full potential in an English-speaking environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can ELL students be in an ESL program?
Yes, ELL students can be enrolled in ESL programs to receive focused language instruction in addition to their mainstream education.
Are there different levels of ESL programs?
Yes, ESL programs often have multiple levels, ranging from beginner to advanced, to cater to varying degrees of English proficiency.
Who qualifies as an ELL student?
An ELL student is anyone whose first language is not English and who is in the process of learning English while participating in regular academic courses.