english as second language
Besides the fact of some students having difficulties speaking the English language I also come across writing deficiencies. I have noticed when students write up in the patients charts that they have a hard time writing using correct past/present.... etc tense. I help them correct the grammar, but what else can I do to help them improve grammar skills? I only see the students during clinic time, I don't work with them in the didactic courses. Should I bring this issue up with the didactic instructors?
Kimberly,
and this willingness to help & meet with the students speaks volumes & encourages them to continue to ask for help when they are struggling.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think as an insturctor you can take the time to find materials to help that studet so they can study on their own time.
Catherine,
yes, the more they can really interact with English in a variety of settings the greater chance they have of increasing their skills in this area.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like that this increases the amount of time the student spends on reading/writing/speaking English without simply saying, "Work on your English skills at home too."
All too often my ESL students seem to have no exposure to English outside my classroom because their home/work life is all in the native language. Any strategies to maximize the English comprehension they develop are welcome!
Dr. Richard,
these are all great strategies that demonstrate your willingness to work with these students & help them as much as possible. I especially like the idea of pairing with an English speaking student to help them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have asked ESL students with writing deficiencies to do two things. First, read their written work out loud to themselves and determine if it sounds correct. Second, I ask them to pair with a native English speaking student to read there written work and provide feedback. In addition, I encourage and make myself available to review written drafts.
I love how creative my english learners are at trying to learn and spell new medical vocabulary. For example, to learn how to spell jaundice, they imagine the pronunciation in spanish and therefore learn to spell it in english. They were saying "juan" "dee" "say" in their minds which helped them spell it correctly in english. I like the ideal of trying this with other students with similar needs to see if it helps them. This doesn't tie in exactly with the previous discussion but I wanted to throw it out for thought. I wouldn't want this to become a crutch but perhaps a stepping stone.
Abel,
I definitely would as that is the best place for them to improve these skills. Once they are in the clinic time, the learning should be focused on those skills, not writing.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
