Difficulty with students that have language barriers
What is the best way to instruct a class that has majority of English learners and then a student that has trouble understanding lectures due to language barriers?
Kelly,
I also have a student that has trouble understanding English and I have to take her aside as well at the end of class to make sure that we are both on the same page. One thing I do to make it a little less time consuming is to break up the lecture into small bites with a small activity or lab at the end of each bite. I use that time to walk around and make sure each student understands all the material.
Norma,
Is this strategy working well for you? Do you have any pointers to share with us that other instructors can use with this population group?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have several that have this issue. They are taught with an example are very basic words.
Kelly,
I commend you for your dedication to this student's success and the time you are spending to help him acquire the key concepts of your course. I know he is grateful for your effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I know that my ESL student has most problems with understand lecture. I've moved him to front of the classroom and then we meet afterwards with my notes to make sure that he's captured all the key concepts he will need to progress. Its time consuming but we don't have any other resources to address his needs.
Kelly
Erika,
I would talk with the students that are ELL learners and see if you can determine their level of understanding in relation to the course content. Then I would develop graphics that illustrate key concepts. If you have a student that is willing to serve as a tutor for the ELL students to review key concepts that will be a big help as well.
If the student does not have sufficient enough English skills to be successful talk with your Student Assistance Office and see if you can refer the student(s) to that office. They may need to step out of the class and increase their English skills and then come back into the class at a later date. Just some options for you to explore.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
