This section reminds me to keep in mind my own experiences of learning French as my second language. Competency (literacy) may not be shown for all forms of language (writing, speaking, understanding). Again, stressing that every student is different.
One must have language to have literacy.
We listen, study and learn.
I learned that, according to the language learning theory, a person's "mother tongue" should be used when learning other sets of vocabulary or terminology. Therefore, I will remind students to consider the concepts first, in their own way of thinking, native language, or past experiences, before applying it to contemporary practice. Furthermore, a student can be literate in English but maybe not in a particular study or literate in a certain science but not so much in English. I am surprised at how we sometimes assume things, even though our motives are sound, that can mislead and disrupt our outcomes.
Language is vital to literacy.
I did not know as much about encouraging and allowing students to utilize their first language as a reference for English or other languages as a way to reference and support the new language acquisition process! I am excited to learn more about this and see how I can incorporate support and resources for students in a program where English is the expected language for instruction, testing, etc.
Language and literacy are not the same. This applies to ESL, as well as those with English as their mother tongue.
It is important to understand language and culture
It is important to incorporate other languages that students may speak. When students can learn a new language or information and still utilize their mother tongue to assist while learning it ,studies have shown an easier learning style. Being bilingual enhances learning
If students are learning a new language, the student's mother tongue should be valued and respected. Therefore, the student is encouraged to use their mother language to help understand and clarify words in the new language. This is essential to ensure the student understands the meaning of the words and uses the new language effectively.
Learning more about languages and dialects can help us communicate and be aware of how different things have be perceived based on language.
Students should be allowed to use their "mother tongue". Language is a part of their culture. Also, language and literacy are not equal. Someone may speak multiple languages but have low literacy.
I love that the module pointed out that just because the information is presented in a person's first language does not mean that they are literate in that language. Becoming literate in a language is a process and it doesn't all happen at once (reading/writing and speaking).
Judge student as a person that can not learn because English is their second language it is a huge mistake. Instructor need to keep their mind open and create teaching techniques to improve student's literacy.
I can see myself wanting to expand on what was explained in this module. For instance, I had a student who had already worked internationally in professional capacities using two languages other than English. English was his third language. Unfortunately, he did not gain an aptitude for the technical and professional usage required in my industry. When I tried to get help for him from my institutional superiors, I was told there were no supports to help with acquiring the technical language skills he was struggling with. I will try to figure some of this out before my next student who ends up in a similar situation.
Languages and cultures can be considered interdependent on many levels
My desire is that my ELL students would be able to leverage their bi- or multilingualism to their advantage. I want to give them the freedom to process in their mother tongue and allow tools that enable them to do so. Although I recognize the importance of recognizing literacy as separate from learning a new language, it is easy to forget or not support a student's growth in academic language literacy.
If a student is learning English wishes to use a valid resource in their mother tongue, they should be allowed to.
