students who dont speak english very well
I have a student who does poor classroom work and always blames it on English. She has lived here for 12 years and speaks well. How do I help her?
I find that it helps to re-iterate important info, using simple terms and grammatically correct sentence structure. Using regional slang, or overcomplicated explanations and eloquent vocabulary just adds to confusion among those who are linguistically challenged.
Try and find a community based program to enroll your student in ESL courses. I have personally done this and my students have returned to the classroom with more confidence! Courses are often free of charge!
Hi Todd,
This is a problem that is outside of your ability to help. Talk with your Student Services office and see what they do with students that don't have basic English skills. They should be administering English proficiency skill assessments that will let the college and you know what their level of English is.
I would suggest you take your current student to the Student Services office and see if they can get the student enrolled in a basic English course before he/she attempts career training.
Gary
Students should have at least some ability to read/write in English. If not, you should ask the administration of your school about the possibility of a translator/translation service. For most schools this would probably not be a realistic option, so if your student is completely unable to communicate in English, their chances of making it through an exclusively English program are unfortunately quite slim. In my opinion, an evaluation of which language skills they DO possess would be critical to their success.
what do you do for a student that can't read english? all of the course books and tests are in english.
Hi Christian,
You are a great example to your students that have a language other than English as their first language. The fact that you studied for two years in Germany really sets you up to help these students to understand that you understand what they are going through. They know you will be there to support their efforts toward success.
Gary
When I have a student whose first language is something other than English, I always make it a priority to let them know that I understand what they're dealing with. During my college experience, I studied in Berlin for two years and had to work entirely in German, which was a huge challenge. I find that sharing this with non-native speakers helps them to feel that I understand their situation and that I'm willing to help. I also find peer tutors who are skilled in that language to be very helpful. With the help of peer tutors, I've had non-native English speakers submit some pretty amazing work.
I think it really depends on your administration's policies toward an official language of the school. For years we were an "English Only" campus, but recently began teaching a certificate program which is delivered in Spanish. Prior to this new program, I always defaulted to the adminstration's policy of English Only and forced the students to comply. Now that we have broadened our horizons, I'm more apt to enlist other resources to help the student along. Whatever you do, it's up to the student to do what she has to do to be successful.
HELLO ALL,WE ALSO HAVE STUDENTS HERE THAT DONT READ OR SPEAK ENGLISH VERY WELL,IT IS THIER PROBLEM PERIOD,ALL OF OUR TEXTS ARE IN ENGLISH.THEY ARE TOLD BEFORE ENROLLMENT IF YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THAT FACT,GO TO A COMMUNITY COLLAGE AND TAKE AN ENGLISH COURSE BEFORE COMMING HERE.
Hi Amy,
Ask her for specific examples of how her lack of English skills is hurting her course performance. If she comes up with examples then you can help her in these areas if she doesn't then tell her that you expect her to perform the same work as every other student if she is going to be successful in the course. She, no matter the circumstances has to acquire the competencies of the course if she is going to be successful in her career and she has to understand that as well.
Gary
Amy, I have had students with english barriers. I try to find out if they are understanding me. I'll ask them questions after class. If they had a hard time with a test or discussion I will talk with them on what was it that they had trouble with. Sometimes it's just having a one on one and after talking with them you'll find out a way to explain it to them in a way that they (hopefully) will understand
Hi Amy: How are you? I live in Orlando, Florida and I experience this daily in my classes. I also have many students that can speak the English language very well but have a rough time with the academic/reading parts of the classes. Although this might not be a solution for you but I am learning how to become for fluent in the Spanish language. I have been learning for the last 2 years and my spanish is getting pretty good.
What do they have access to in your library for Spanish to English? I hear the the Rosetta Stone method is a great way to learn a language. I also rely on Spanish speaking students that are fluent in English for help and they are usually willing to help.
I think that the best soultion is to get her a tutor. I'm not sure if your school offers language tutoring...what type of school are you? I teach at a culinary school here in Orlando. You should see my kitchen/classroom; it has cards taped to everything with the spanish translation for me but I have to admit...it is really helping me.
