Teacher's techniques of supporting student understanding in English immersion education : case study: Tartu International School

Abstract

This study observes how teachers in English immersion education use different techniques to convey their message and how they support student understanding. This research was conducted in the form of a case study that examines two teachers, with different levels of experience in the field of education, in the Tartu International School (TIS). In TIS all subjects are taught through English immersion education, as students come from various language backgrounds. Given the nature of immersion education the only language of instruction in Tartu International School is English, and teachers do not have the opportunity for code switching, using the students’ first languages. Therefore teachers must find other methods in conveying their message.