One of our classes is about culture. Each person in the class is encouraged to share information about their culture and this acutally helps to rid of sterotypes. It works well with everyone.
The learning environment created for ELL students should be no different than the learning environment created for other students.
The instructor should allow each student to share their background and utilize this information when discussing other topics, so that student can relate to it better.
The instructor should not lecture the whole time. The instructor should provide diverse learning tools to all students. The instructor shuold allow students to work in groups.
I teach ADult Basic Ecucation and ESL both in a traditional setting and an online one. I teach, using a mixed method f on-campus traditional learning, and also through a "Project Lab" where students do online modules.
n addition, I have "blended my traditonal ESL classes with the use of a computer lab in which we do the follow:
1 Content delivered through use of whiteboard and texts
2) Content enhanced through private and web-based software
3) COntent further enhanced through Mircosoft office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) in order to apply writing in various forms. We also use visuals, such as clip art in PowerPoint in order to match the idioms with the concept.
I also use various forms of English: short story, full length novel, poetry, and the use of electronic journal assess the progress of the students from beginning of semester to the end.
i work with a large hispanic population, and the population is diverse within itself. I try to learn more about the individual cultures of the different countries, that way i can rephrase my lectures with what they know and are comfortable with. I wouldn't say i do bilingual lectures, but i do put their culture and their different backgrounds to work to make them feel the subject is more accessable.
Lowering their stress level through understanding of their culture and discovering their learning mode.
The learning environment I create for ELL students is one of empathy and understanding. I teach communication and public speaking courses so I have a lot of ELL students that approach me at the beginning of the term that are worried about their speaking and writing skills. I assure them that my classroom is a great opportunity to practice their communication skills in a safe, supportive environment. Since culture pervades every aspect of communication, I also encourage ELL students to discuss and share their past experiences with culture to further explore concepts from the course (i.e. language patterns, nonverbal communication, conflict styles) and the integral role it has on the communication process.
Describe the learning environment you create for your ELL students. How does that contribute to their learning?
I have been reading research by Stephen Krashen. He states that it is crucial to have a teaching/learning environment that is low anxiety. He calls it"the optimal language learning environment". I try to do this for my students even at the adult level. I use a little music, hands-on learning and help them to feel comfortable using the language. I explain to them that it is ok to make mistakes while using the language and that we have a class environment in which they need to feel safe.
I like to give them a comfortable environment that focuses on a number of means to give them access to the information. Not just using lecture but also visual aids and demonstrations that can reinforce what is being discussed in the lecture. This way they can tie together what they are seeing with what they are hearing. It helps to cut down on confusion in my experience.
Ted,
Ted, your efforts are excellent by incorporating lecture with visual aids and demonstrations to improve understanding of the material. Reducing the confusion in the learning process allows the student to learn the complete concept.
Always
Arlene Muller
Ted, as I mentioned before you are using an excellent approach by bring visual aids and demonstrations as part of your lecture. These extra tools assist the student in understanding the entire concept which reduces the confusion in the learning process. Have you tried using soft background music to also reduce anxiety when learning?
Always,
Arlene
I make students comfortable by stressing and demonstrating how making a mistake is not all that detrimental but is beneficial. I show them through examples how a particular mistake can become a learning experience and can add to knowledge. Making mistakes is a normal learning process and no body should be embarrased about it - that is my emphasis in class. It has helped me create a safe, comfortable, and friendly environment. It generates more discussion and creates more empathy.
Harinder,
Yes, you are on the right track. Students at any age learn when they feel safe. When they can trust you and understand it is OK to make mistakes, the students are able to learn.
Arlene Muller
In the vocational school that I work at, I use Lecture, Demo, observation and mentoring for my ELL students. I will then actively go from student to student to answer their questions and to re-demo if needed.
Charles,
Excellent! I am really impressed that you see yourself as a mentor. This suggests that you allow yourself to be very involved and concerned that your students are learning. Mentoring means you accept responsibility to encourage your students to reach goals and you support their learning to the next level. You stand as a member of their Fan Club!
Arlene Muller
I implement all learning styles as well as having to the students to tell me in his or own words their understanding. This is critical to ensure you are getting your message to them. Power Points, Lecutres, role playing and real life experiences always work best with ELL students. They can relate to a topic he or she may have experienced in life.
Vatina,
Absolutely, the more senses you can involve in the learning process the better for ELL students to learn no matter the age. I feel lecturing is giving information and learning occurs when you teach the information. Teaching involves making sure the students understand the information using their own words.
Arlene Muller
Sometimes if an ESL student tries to avoid speaking in class and acts shy, I present an opportunity for the ESL student to speak in front of the class and then utilize the others students to assist in helping that presenter along. For my classes, this has done ta few things: It forces the ESL student to recognize that they need to practice to participate; it demonstrates that no one is mad at them or thinks less of them for not speaking the language with my tone and guidance; it conveys to all that the person has really good ideas and is not stupid, just intimidated by the language barrier; and it shows the English speaking students how difficult it is for an ESL student and how it takes more time and effort to participate. Usually after this happens, the students offer to work in study groups outside the class or at least have a smoother experience when working on in-class activities because the English speakers had the chance to get to know the ESL student as a person and the ESL student gains some confidence.
Jennifer,
Yes, I have used that same technique to have others in the class help the speaker. I admire your determination, passion and integrity to help your students. Your students feel your passion and know you care about their success. I can tell by your writing that your students admire you for the equality you present in your classroom.
Arlene Muller
I,too, can get hesitant about group work especially as the student advances in language levels.
I have found that Advanced ELL learners who are having difficulty with either Reading/Writing or Conversation,can hide behind the group activities. So I tend to do serious observations of those groups , like how Greg said, to be able to assess individually and distribute work equally.
