What is the purpose of monitoring in the CALLA strategy?

The purpose of monitoring in the Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA) strategy is to gauge comprehension throughout the lesson. This aspect of monitoring allows teachers to assess how well students are understanding the material and concepts being taught in real time. By observing students' responses, engagement, and ability to apply skills, teachers can identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust instruction accordingly. This ongoing assessment is crucial in a sheltered English immersion environment, as it helps educators support English language learners in acquiring both language and academic content effectively.

Monitoring is not primarily aimed at finalizing grades or evaluating teaching effectiveness; instead, it focuses on facilitating immediate adjustments in teaching strategies to enhance student learning. Additionally, while preparing students for standardized tests may be one of the goals of instruction, monitoring within the CALLA framework is more centered on ensuring understanding and promoting effective language acquisition in context rather than focusing on test preparation.