English Language Arts (ELA) is more than just a subject. It is a powerful tool that equips students with essential soft skills for navigating an increasingly interconnected world. In our previous article,Everest Education (E2) shared insights about the definition of English Language Arts and its significance in modern education, aiming to provide families with a clearer understanding of this essential yet relatively unfamiliar subject.
In today’s globally interconnected society, equipping children with a solid foundation in English is paramount. However, mere communication skills are insufficient for students to truly excel and succeed in an international learning environment. This reality highlights the growing importance of ELA. ELA programs go beyond basic language proficiency, fostering advanced communication skills like public speaking, presentation, and persuasive writing. These skills are invaluable for students who aspire to study or work in international settings.
Nevertheless, parents often wonder: “Does my child really need to invest time in studying English at such an advanced level?” or “Will English Language Arts help my child develop other essential skills for their future?” The answer is a resounding “yes” – because this subject extends far beyond reading and text analysis; it serves as a foundation for developing essential 21st-century soft skills. In simpler term, ELA is academic English for students, taught entirely in English, with the ultimate goal of deepening understanding and improving analysis in English. In international or bilingual environments, ELA plays a key role in solidifying students’ language foundation. It not only helps students understand English better but also enables them to develop critical soft skills, preparing them for international exams like the SAT, IELTS, or advanced academic programs.
To demonstrate that ELA is not just a critical subject in the educational curriculum but also a powerful tool to help students develop the necessary skills for their future, this article will explore the soft skills that ELA offers to students at international schools.
1. What is English Language Arts (ELA)?
English Language Arts (ELA) differs from English as a Second Language (ESL) by developing all language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and pronunciation) in an engaging academic context. ELA also includes teaching academic terminology in fields like Math, Science, Culture, and Career orientation.
In a simpler term, ELA is academic English for students, taught entirely in English, with the ultimate goal of deepening understanding and improving analysis in English.
2. ELA and Effective Communication, Presentation Skills
In international or bilingual educational settings, ELA plays a crucial role in strengthening students’ linguistic foundation. It not only aids students in understanding English but also helps them develop essential soft skills to prepare for international exams such as the SAT, IELTS, or other advanced academic programs.
Through ELA, students gain opportunities to develop clear and coherent expression skills. By engaging in reading comprehension, writing, and discussions on diverse topics, students learn not only to express ideas fluently but also to construct persuasive arguments. Additionally, by delving into advanced works and texts, students are trained to convey ideas, emotions, and personal perspectives effectively.
At Everest Education (E2), our English Language Arts program bridges the gap between conversational English and advanced English literature. Instead of merely memorizing vocabulary and basic grammar, students learn literary analysis, research skills, and presentation techniques in an immersive English-speaking environment, enabling them to present their ideas persuasively. This skill is particularly beneficial in international settings, where students frequently need to express opinions and engage in debates in English.
3. ELA and Critical Thinking, Problem Analysis
Critical thinking is an essential skill in the process of absorbing and filtering information. Encouraging students to ask open-ended questions and engage in discussions about relevant issues transforms their approach from “reading to learn” into a more systematic acquisition of knowledge, fostering comprehensive thinking and substantiated critique of any information. English Language Arts opens doors for students to develop presentation skills, analyze problems, and persuade their audience.
When analyzing advanced texts, students learn to question, evaluate perspectives, and approach issues from multiple angles before forming their own arguments, helping them develop independent thinking. This skill is essential not only in academics but also in life, helping students solve problems creatively, effectively, and logically.
At E2, through guided exploration by teachers and independent discovery, students are encouraged to think about multiple aspects of a topic. In each class, they are taught to approach information critically, not to quickly accept everything they hear or read. Instead, they are led toward a deep, thoughtful understanding of the material, building intelligent, well-reasoned critiques through various class activities. Students, particularly those in international schools, equipped with critical thinking and problem-analysis skills, will adapt better in any learning or working environment, confidently express themselves, and make wise decisions in both academics and everyday life.
4. ELA and Creativity, Cognitive Flexibility
The importance of creativity and flexible thinking is increasingly recognized across all educational fields, not just in international or bilingual environments. ELA helps students develop their language skills while encouraging them to explore and express their creativity through various learning activities. This subject is ideal for fostering creativity, preparing students to adapt and succeed in all areas of life.
In English Language Arts, students don’t simply analyze texts; they’re encouraged to write essays expressing personal thoughts. This learning approach helps students think outside conventional boundaries, explore their imagination, and express unique ideas. Furthermore, the subject creates an environment for students to cultivate cognitive flexibility – the ability to adapt to various situations. When students engage with texts from different cultures, they learn to evaluate and understand multiple perspectives, developing open-minded and flexible thinking. This helps students not only in processing information but also in facing real-life challenges, understanding how to view problems from multiple angles and develop creative solutions.
At E2, flexible thinking is also demonstrated through students freely expressing personal viewpoints without being constrained by rigid biases. They are guided into activities using modern, innovative learning methods, providing opportunities to generate new ideas, critique old perspectives, and seek out alternative solutions. This capability fosters greater confidence and proactivity in learning, preparing them to tackle changes and challenges while becoming innovative thinkers for the future.
With the rapid growth of the internet, information is more accessible than ever, but this also creates the challenge of sifting through vast amounts of data, where accuracy may be unclear and information can become overwhelming if not processed selectively. ELA plays a crucial role in addressing this by helping students develop research, analysis, and synthesis skills, building a strong foundation for higher education and research.
In English Language Arts, students often undertake research projects, analyze texts, or write essays based on complex topics. They are required to seek and gather information from diverse sources, including books, articles, academic materials, and online resources. This not only familiarizes students with various types of documents but also trains them to evaluate the reliability and credibility of information—an essential skill in today’s information age.
Research skills require students to formulate questions, seek relevant information, and connect data to create a comprehensive understanding of an issue. Throughout their study of this subject, they are encouraged to develop analytical thinking to delve deeply into literary works, authors, or topics related to history and culture. Through this process, students learn to filter out unnecessary information, prioritize critical data, and synthesize it to support their learning objectives.
At E2, all opportunities to develop these skills are nurtured through engaging activities on platforms like Kahoot and Blooket, making learning more accessible for students. Writing essays and research papers in ELA helps students develop logical and clear information synthesis skills. They not only need to understand the content but also present it in an easily understandable, coherent, and systematic way. This process not only enhances writing skills but also trains students in organizing and structuring information scientifically.
Recognizing that research and information synthesis skills are crucial in international learning environments, where students frequently face complex assignments requiring the processing of large volumes of material, E2 places particular emphasis on developing these skills in English Language Arts classes. Students who excel in research and synthesis will easily navigate these challenges and be well-prepared for international exams and studies at top universities. English Language Arts is not just a language subject; it is a vital tool that helps students become outstanding researchers and information synthesizers, ready to tackle any challenges in a global environment.
6. Conclusion
English Language Arts is clearly an indispensable subject in international school curricula. This subject not only helps students develop language skills but also equips them with essential soft skills to confidently engage with the global community. Skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity become valuable assets, helping students succeed in their studies and future careers.
If families are seeking an internationally-standard English Language Arts program for their students, we invite you to enroll in a course at Everest Education. We are committed to providing a high-quality ELA program to help students confidently step into international environments. Don’t miss the chance to equip your child with a well-rounded educational journey!
