English as a second language
What do you suggest for a teacher who has English as a second language? It seems to affect the confidence and interest of the students on their teacher.
Kathy,
Welcome to teaching. I hope you have much success and enjoy sharing your knowledge with the next generation of individuals entering your field. A strategy for involving the two ESL students could be to have all of the students work on case studies after the PP presentation. This way they can apply what they have learned and they can express themselves verbally rather than having to read the formal text from the PP slides. I use this technique frequently with my ESL students and they respond very well. In addition, this format enables them to keep a high comfort level in the class as they know they will be able to respond in a way that is supportive in relation to their command of English.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hello, I am a new Instructor and just began shadowing some of our other instructors to learn from them.
I observed a class last night of 6 students. 2 were ESL. It was interesting, because the instructor had the class reading outloud from the powerpoint slides that were showing on the big screen. I watched as 4 of the people participated but the other 2 were never called on to read, or ever answered questions. I asked the instructor about this later and she said that they can understand what is being said but are self conscious about reading outloud.
It seems to me that this is leaving out those 2 students and might be a little demotivating/exclusive.
Any thoughts on how to involve those 2 ESL students? Any special learning opportunities for me to engage ESL students more in the classroom?
Thank You
Kathy
Mabel,
Good point and one we need to consider as we approach the classroom. Communication and understanding are essential so we need to evaluate if both are occurring with our ESL students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
What about students who are ESL? I try to be very understanding and I apologize for my not being able to understand them. I am widely traveled and have worked with numerous languages/ESL situations, but there are times I still cannot understand what the student is saying. Some times we resort to "writing it down" because I have found many students are very proficient in reading & writing English, ... but pronounciation is another experience.
Joyce,
If the students perceive a lack of expertise by the instructor as the result of English being a second language then a good practice is to increase the use of graphics and support materials, such as guided notes. Then based upon the content being shared through the media the students can see that their instructor does have expertise and experience and this will help them grow confidence in the instructor. Also, take every chance available to interact with the students informally such as being in the class early to greet and chat with each one as they come to class. Share some humor with them so everyone can relax and laugh together. All of these factors will contribute to the students see their instructor as being competent desiring of helping them be successful.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Teacher should attempt to establish a trusting relationship with student on the first day of class and have open communication with the students. The teacher should speak slow, repeat information when requested by student and use alternative methods of teaching to complement the lecture, alternative such as writing on the board and handouts.
