broken english
Every few classes I end up teaching, there enters a few international students or students who have just moved to this country permanently. They are usually the most quit and less likely to provide input on first day discussions. I am sure this may be due to self-criticism on their spoken English abilities or just the unfamiliarity of their surroundings. Any ideas on how to get them comfortable adjusted on the first day and more involved?
Hi Christopher,
If this is the case then I think the situation is beyond the classroom setting. You should refer the student to the Student Services office and have that office secure some remedial help in language acquisition for the student. The student may need to take some literacy course work before enrolling in a career or technical course so they can become successful.
You probably can't help them acquire the needed language skills in the short duration of the course so it would be better if they would get the needed skills and then come back into your course.
Gary
How does one address a student that is unable to get passed the language barrier and is beginning to fall behind in class?
When conversing with someone who speaks more than 1 language, I am always impressed by the fact that they can communicate as effectively as they do. Misuse of grammar and poor spelling only bother me when an English speaking student has attended more than 12 years of schooling, and still turns in papers that resemble their texting, with no capitols, run together sentences, dangling participles, skipped words, and atrocious spelling. For this reason alone, I wouldn't want to teach an on-line class. -Jeanne
Being a former International Student myself, I understand now the point of view of a teacher who is trying to make everybody comfortable in a class and have to face someone who may not fully be familiar with the methods of teaching in this country. One of the things that worked for me as a student was when teachers would make us all talk a little about ourselves in the first day of class. That way I would let everybody know that although I was not able to connect with everyone right away that at least I would try my best and for the most part, students would understand that they may have to be a little more patient with you and even the teacher who sometimes seemed to go at his own pace and not care much for whether students followed along during class or not.
In short, making them speak and interact a little more with their classmates helps international students break any barriers they may have.
Agreed. One on one is best. I also do not call attention to their grammar mistakes. If I don't get what they are trying to convey I will ask more questions until I 'get it'. Foreign languages can have unique ways of conveying ideas that when translated to English can still be worked out if you are willing.
Hi Harold,
Something I do with these students is to talk with them individually. Generally this is after the first class meeting because I don't know who I will be having as students before the first day. When I talk with them I can assess their command of the language and also their comfort level in the class setting. By knowing these two things I then can develop a plan for involving them in the class in the future. I can call on them when we are talking about a topic that I know their English is sufficient for them to express themselves without feeling uncomfortable. Other times I will involve them in small group sessions so they can get comfortable with a few of the other students. This is easier for them rather than having to speak to the entire class.
Gary
