Language barriers
I have one on one conversations with my english as a second language students so they know they can ask the meaning of a word even during a test which helps calm the fear of not understanding a concept because of language barriers.
ryan,
I think this is a great approach as it helps them see you want to help them & are willing to help them & encourages them to come for that help.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
i agree taking the fear out of asking questions will help the second language student. Very good point.
Carla,
yes, the safer we can make it for these students & appreciate the type of culture they are from will help them be successful.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In a class with mixed native speakers and ESL students, is there a danger of showing to much preferential treatment to the ESL students?
The way I see it, this can happen, regardless if you have ESL/ELL students mixed with native, men/women, ethnic diversities, etc etc. This comes back to maintaining a general balance and monitoring all students. Sometimes ESL/ELL students may try to dominate, other times, they are passive and sit in the corner. At this point, the issue is not a linguistic issue, but one of monitoring.
If you operate that way up front, monitoring your class and putting things in the right balance, in the end, the ESL/ELL students will fall into place - like every other type of student.
-R
I use a similar approach with my students. I have mix of ELL students and offer all students the one toone opportunity but the ELL may require more time. It challenges my time,but I think it is worth it if I am to be a "real instructor" just an "oxygen comsumer"
Clifton,
great point & really what we should be about with our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
