A 3rd grade teacher observes that an ELL student closely watches others in class but rarely speaks. Which process is the student most likely exhibiting?

The scenario describes an English Language Learner (ELL) who is observing peers but not actively participating in verbal communication, which indicates they are likely in a stage of language acquisition where they are focusing on listening and comprehension rather than speaking. This is a common behavior among ELL students, particularly in the early stages of language learning, as they may feel more comfortable processing the language they hear before attempting to produce it themselves.

During this phase, known as the "silent period," students absorb the new language by listening and watching others interact, which helps them build a foundational understanding of vocabulary, grammar, and social cues. This observational learning is critical for their eventual participation in conversations and discussions. Therefore, the behavior observed by the teacher aligns with a student who is concentrating on understanding their second language before feeling confident enough to use it actively.