English as a Second Language
Often students that English is their second language will state that they do not want to participate in class because “…my English is not good”, which frequently is not true. I tell the students that they are lucky to be able to speak more than one language and encourage them to participate. I have foreign born students sharing information about their native country, including government structure and customs. This has always worked well for me.
Any other ideas that have been sucessful?
The fact that english is my third language I point my self as an exemple. And explain to them that language shoundn't be an obstacle to communicate, to progress and to succed.
This is very true some times I have students that like to use the excuse of a language beerier. I always like to encourage students to help each other and seek help don’t loose the communication .
Hi DEl,
I too have many students from different cultural backgrounds and they feel that their English isn't good, even though it is.
My biggest concern is trying to make them understand an assignment.
I will have some students that get the project requirements right away and then there are others that have a harder time grasping what I want them to do an learn from the assignment.
Hi Del,
You are doing the right things with your ESL students. An additional strategy could be to have activities in the class that lets the students achieve success early in the course. These little successes will help them to build self confidence in terms of being able to participate fully in the class.
Gary
Hi Del,
I have many students from other countries and I find it puts them at ease when I let them know that English is spoken differently across the world, and even from one part of the country to another. I encourage sharing of terms and common expressions during discussions and even in demonstrations by saying..." someone might say ... or ... in other words." It is important that communication remains open for learning to take place.
