Language Barrier
Language barrier affects those who speak English as a second language. That being said,it is crucial that Instructor assissts these students by breaking information down to the simplest form. Using example, providing visual description of what has been discussed will really boost their learning.
I find that my students with a language barrier do really well with hands on in the lab. I have witnessed other students helping them out and they are beginning to engage in casual conversation with their peers. They also know that I'm willing to stay after class or coming in a little early for extra help.
I too had a deaf student in my class. I was amazed by how well the deaf are at communicating. We had a translator in class the whole time however I was surprised by how easy it was to communicate just using gestures and expressions.
walter,
these are great ways to help them relate to the information & in a secondary language.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Since english is my second language, I feel like I have a small advantage when it comes to understanding ESL students. I like to make comparisons to their homeland when teaching and also let them talk about their culture and traditions which make them more comfortable and they do not feel left out.
Joe,
and this is very helpful for both struggling learners & ELL students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
i agree with breaking down the information to the simplest form. the students need to understand what is going on.
A very good tactic. However, sometimes we need more or less an entrance exam (measuring levels) to see where people belong. This way, we have some idea where some people are coming from and better educate ourselves to teaching people. Sometimes, career schools bypass these tests and just place anyone into any courses without concern for future successes.
I had a problem with an American sign language student. Luckily they brought their own translator a few days.
Glen,
this is a great personal story that can help all of us how to better help those who are learning English as a second, etc language.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I personally applaud your strategy. I came from the same group of learners because English is my third language. Before, I played different strategies in mind. I have native and national languages that makes it challenging for me to process the English language. I have to mentally process the meaning in both of my languages and re-proceess (interpret) to English. It was a stuggle for me especially when studying courses because I have to exert more effort (time) assimilitating the concept and even verbalizing/expressing it in my own terms. I believe that repitition, pictures, and mental images helped me a lot in my progress. Now I'm working more with my accent. I think that constant conversation with native speakers is helping me more. I just have to let them know in advance to correct my intonation whenever they don't understand me. Glen
Biftu,
these are great suggestions to help the ESL students as they can associate the concepts with familiar ideas and/or pictures, etc.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
