language barreries
right now we have a couple deaf students going to our school so we have signers to sign what we say and explain when questions arise this puts me on my best why because I speak Southern Yankee with a California accent. Tranlation how about a picture of lemonade or a warsher for that bolt. I have to clean up my English for my classes and I have to pay close attention to what I say and how I say it. Or the signer ask me to spell the word in questions.
I have not had any experience in this but I appreciate the advice.
I wrote a test question once and meant to say " please explain this concept in your own words." Instead I wrote, "please explain this concept in your own language." One student was taking the exam and starting laughing. I teased her and said we do not laugh when taking the test! Well, the joke was on me. When I saw her answer, it was written in Spanish. Imagine my surprise to read the concept of pass thru taxation in Spanish. It was correct and I wrote her back a comment in Spanish and had the last laugh when she asked me to translate it for her since it was proper Spanish. But, it was a great lesson for me. There are times the students know the answer but can not explain it in English. Allowing them to use their language gave empowerment. Obviously this will not always work - nor should we always permit it. But when really stuck and if translating it is possible. It is another method.
Hi there,
I have been lucky in that there are systems in place to facilitaite such issues. I don't want to discriminate against anyone..I will work with them to support their efforts. I had a situation this past session.
:-)
Mike
Hi Edna, a clear and structured outline of learning objectives, topic areas, timelines and resources very much helps adult learners follow a step-by-step process or building approach, plus they can see how what they are learning is relevant to their career goals.
Thanks for your comments!
Jay
ED106 Facilitator
While language barriers present a true challenge to students learning experience, the instructor's challenge is much greater as he/she must design teaching strtegies that will allow the student to reach his/her maximum potentials. Providing a a clear and structured outline of what the tsudent needs to focus on could be a very valuable management tool, since this will aLlow the student to organize and develop stufy habits and skills without getting so oevrwhelm.
How much time can you spend with an ESL student before you're slowing down the class pace?
I agree with you. I live in Phoenix, Az which has a lot of individuals who speak Spanish. There are many stores and malls that cater to Spanish speaking individuals. It does become a problem when I try to undrstand them and try to help them to understand the concepts being presented in the classroom. I know how they feel in trying to decipher a different language. Vocabulary and comprehension given by examples become a key element in understanding the concepts taught in the classroom. Barriers are faced on both ends - the student and the instructor.
I totally agree with Agnes. Unless they are very new to the country and have limited English background, most of my ESL student have a great command of the English language, especially written. Slang is the usual drawback.
As to language barriers, I have to say that some of my best students were ESL students.
I would safely say 85% of the time their vocabulary and command of English was exceptional, way better that of many (!) native speakers.
The ones that were facing some obstacles were always willing to learn and would constantly ask how they can improve their skills.
The most discouraging for me are the native speakers of English at a 2nd grade school level of comprehension and vocabulary, but with big attitudes.
I agree with you that some of the students have a hard time with test due to the fact that english is their second language. I will always spend time to help those students gain a better understanding of the material. I do have issues with some students that have lived in the states for many years but never tried to improve their english, which is laziness.
Language barriers are difficult in our class as well. I have students where english is there second language and they have a very difficult time reading and writing in english. They struggle on tests and quizzes. Because they have to work outside of class, they don't have time to stay for tutoring or extra help. What can you do in this situation?
i think the student learn from me and i enjoy learning from them, i sometimes turn into a learning game
I have learned through my 7 years of teaching to be sure and use proper grammer/terminoligy and repeat and explain any specialized terms that I have to use during lectures..I also try to give examples of things for students to relate to in their everyday lives. These techniques seem to break through alot of learning barriers that I have encountered from many students.
I have instructed several deaf students. I have learned quite a few signs. The last deaf student was able to speak although he never spoke in class (only to his child) but, I was able to communicate w/him the best out of all the deaf students I've incountered.
Language can be quite the obstacle in the class room. I am a true southerner and have had to learn to not use so many localisms since students from other parts of the world have no clue what I am saying. I have also placed a great enphasis on proper pronunciation and enunciation. it is hard enough for a student to learn a new language, much less learn a different dialect of the language. I have had students in my class from many places throughout the U.S. as well as other countries. One student was from China and had only been in the States a few months, but he was one of my top performers. It was primarily due to his motivation and thirst for knowledge. He would stay after class frequently and ask for help with terms and concepts. The courte I primarily teach is heavily laiden with terminology, every part or concept has at least two acceptable names which only adds to the complexity. I use as much repetition as psooible to ensure their success.
Hi Isiah, you're right, it keeps us on our toes; and as participants have brought to our attention in this course, language barriers are only a part of the cultural differences and nuances that make each of us special. I have found that through respecting and working with a student's cultural background, values and mores, and really trying to understand the influence they have on the learning process, any potential language barrier is easier to address.
Jay
ED106
Language barriers I beleive sometimes can present a challenge but also helps instructors stay on their toes. Helps us to get creative also and sometimes force us to look into learning another language. The students do face difficulties but so does the instructors.
Thanks for your comments, Cecil! I have a southern accent so I often get lightheartedly teased when in CA. It sounds like you are really adapting your communication style to your students. Do you also find that you have to adjust the pace of your presentations as well? Are there any other supports or resources available, instructional wise, that assist in working with students who may have special needs?
