Being from a foreign country helps break the ice. In my opinion the best environment is created by showing interest in the individual on a personal level and by paying close attention or by staying focused when having an interaction with them.
Ryan,
Wonderful focus to allow everyone to learn from your ELL student. One activity is to have each student in the class research and present a certain aspect of the cultural background. This would save you time and the students would have fun sharing their new knowledge about the ELL student.
Arlene Muller
Having an ELL in the classroom is a great opportunity for all students and instructors. It is a way learning a culture first hand, rather than referencing media outlets. However, it is important to do research on the cultural background to best interact and instruct the ELL.
Rasiel,
Well, Rasiel you are on the right track. Teaching occurs when the students are talking instead of the teacher. Adding background information based on student culture always improves learning.
Arlene Muller
I usually avoid long lecturing , sometimes I try to connect part of the lessons with students backgrounds and develop a comfort level in class as much as I can, I use my humor sense and a friendly environment with a good results
Christine,
Yes, there needs to be equality in the classroom. Being fair is a quality that encourages all the students to learn.
Arlene Muller
My students come from all walks of life, so it is important that I treat my students all the same.
David,
Yes David, you state it so well in summary of your last words, "express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination." Learning will always occur when students feel it is safe to learn despite making mistakes.
Arlene Muller
I do my best to create a supportive, accepting environment for my ELL students. For example, my instructional materials are not biased toward any particular culture or background. Also, I try to get to know the students' backgrounds and cultures and encourage them to incorporate these elements into their written work and performance assessments. This contributes to their learning by empowering the students to express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.
walter,
Oh, I hope other instructors follow your example. This is the foundation for any ELL instructor teaching in a multi-cultural classroom. Sharing customs is a foundation to understanding and learning. I compliment your efforts and praise your commitment.
Arlene Muller
I try to make my ELL students comfortable in the classroom by informing myself about their culture and then in lecture sometimes bring up comparisons to the whole class which gets ELL students involved because it is something they are very familiar with and they want to be participating.
Raghda,
I love your cultural exercise that states,"I also compare and contrast different languages to the English in order to show them examples from their languages and English." This is a visual concept along with your auditory presentation will really help your students learn their new language.
Arlene Muller
As an ESL teacher, I always put my students culture, language and background into consideration by creating exercises that help them retain key elements in the new language. I also compare and contrast different languages to the English in order to show them examples from their languages and Englsih. By giving examples, students are able to understand English and are able to appky it in exercises, reading and writing.
Laura,
I have often presented faculty training and tell them that YOUR ATTITUDE is the ATTITUDE in the Classroom. I like your attitude!
Arlene Muller
Thank you, I really enjoy teaching and seen how the students grow in many ways.
Laura,
Outstanding Laura, Yes, I agree students are more afraid of making a mistake than learning. I love your statement, I teach hands on procedures and I always try to help students and remind them that is not about the mistake is what you do after a mistake. It is similar to we all fall down it is getting up that is important. I think you have the right attitude!
Arlene Muller
I find that students often feel frighten of making a mistake regardless of the culture them come from. I teach hands on procedures and I always try to help students and remind them that is not about the mistake is what you do after a mistake. I tell them that you need to treat everyone the way you want to be treated. I come from a diferent culture and I alway emphasize to students that each an everyone learns in different ways. I have them practice many times to find their own way to perform a procedure without geopardizing accuracy.
Irina,
Excellent, I also feel that respect is an outstanding quality in the classroom. This allows the students the freedom to make mistakes and not feel afraid that others will laugh at them. When students feel safe they will have the freedom to learn.
Arlene Muller
I try to create non threatening environment for my students, where they could speak out their minds. Also, I believe in respect as a basic requirement for open interaction. This means respect to all students for their uniqueness; and I expect the same in return.
Erin,
Yes, I have also been on class time restrictions so I understand your limitations. You might want to try a combination of having him write his report then read it to only you. This way he completes the requirement and he has the freedom to speak slowly and make mistakes in his English. Yes, looking at other options which will give him more basic courses could be rewarding for both of you.
Arlene Muller
