I have an unfair advantage, since I have an MS in math, and teach math and science courses. From my experience, math and science are extremely universal, and I do not see any statistical advantage for the students who are born with English as their native language. The only obstacle I find is in my pronunciation. When I introduce key terms, I often repeat words many times, since I am forced to teach the words in English for consistency.
Benjamin,
Yes, once again your understanding is true. The tool in learning is often repetition. Teaching occurs when the student has learned the concept, word or definition. Using a 3x5 card and asking the student to answer the questions. What did you learn today? What is still confusing? You start class the next day by going over the material that is still confusing.
Arlene Muller
I try to work with all of my students and try to be cognizant of their individual learning styles and levels. I let them know the goals of the assignments but also let them know there is more than one way to get there.
Earle,
I love your attitude! Yes, I agree with you when you state that there is more than one way to understand and complete the assignment. Each student usually uses two learning styles to understand a concept.
Arlene Muller
I work with learners in the classroom as well as in the clinical setting. But in each setting it is a one-on-one interaction. I find using a smile and a relaxed tone of voice helpful for my learners. I think it makes them feel safe.
Paula,
Your technique to create an atmosphere of safety will help your learners feel it is OK to make a mistake. Students learn better in a safe, comfortable and non threatening atmosphere. Use short exercises to elevate their self esteem and confidence. I acknowledge your technique because your level of caring will always show in your voice.
Arlene Muller
I treat all my students equally in my classroom. I make it a point in my instructional time to invite all my students to participate in the lectures. Asking open ended questions to the entire class and never singling out an individual. Sometimes I will ask them explain or give more detail in their responses or have another student expand on that student's thought. Engaging my students in conversations regarding the lecture material, allowing them to express themselves and not criticize them for their responses but to use those responses to further discussions. One thing I have found that helps contribute to their learning as well as my own is letting them know and see that laughing and having fun can be a learning experience.
Stewart,
Wonderful, using laughter and fun to be a part of your lesson plan. The students need to feel safe to make mistakes and safe to learn in a classroom. I like your leadership in not being critical. Self esteem is boosted with positive comments from the instructor. Having students sharing and expanding on answers is a wonderful tool for learning.
Arlene Muller
Use simple everyday words that would be easily understood by ELL students. If one uses words that are not familiar to most ELL students, the instructor should make it a point to give the meanings for everyone's benefit.
Maria Rosario,
Excellent, always start with the familiar first. You can always give them another word that is proper and popular to elevate their vocabulary. Write the new words on the board next to the familiar words. You can also make this a bulletin board.
Arlene Muller
Hello! Most of the time I try to use the language of my students to acclimate to my English counterparts, especially in grammatical terms. Therefore, if they can not understand the process, at least they can see what it is not.
Megan
Megan,
Very wise to connect with your students starting from where they are at their level. It would be great to take it to another level and place their words on the board with the new or correct word you want them to learn. If they have a Spelling Journal they can create their own vocabulary dictionaries.
Arlene Muller
I start the class with an exercise on learning styles. This way the student can understand his or her learning style. Once completed we as a class discuss each learning style and how he or she should study using the learing that is best for them. Students learn better and score higher when identifying areas of strength and weakness. This also allows me to captivate all learning styles in the classroom.
Vatina,
Outstanding! I wish more instructors would use method in their classroom. I present a workshop starting out with the discussion of learning styles. I also present the classroom activities best suited for the learning styles. If you would like me to send them to you just e-mail me at amuller@retentionspecialisttoday.info You can also visit my website www.retentionspecialisttoday.info
Arlene Muller
I try to provide a safe environment for the student to interact by using small groups in the teaching setting. Student that are more likely to participate and more acceptable to interact with individuals of different cultures and belief. My classes are very diversed.
Rose,
Providing a safe environment in the classroom allows the students to make mistakes and not feel afraid. Interesting idea that the high diversification in your classroom allows more participation and acceptance. I agree with you. It could be that they are all reaching for the same goals and are supportive when their classmates succeed in their efforts.
Arlene Muller
I create a safe and comfortable learning environment. Students can participate without the fear of being judged because of what they say or how they say it. In addition, I will make sure that everyone in class has spoken about something.
Since students know that they must offer comments or insight on the material we are covering, I feel that they become more involved and that this contributes to their learning. I want my students to realize that each one of them has something valuable inside them.
Paul,
I acknowledge you for allowing the students to feel free from judgements when expressing themselves. I also praise you for making sure that every student has spoken on a topic during your class. This is harder than it seems, but you can create a good system to make sure you accomplish it during every class.
Arlene Muller
As a loud, vivacious, eye-contact-making instructor, I strive to maintain open lines of communication for my students both in the classroom-- before, after, and during, and outside of the classroom, encouraging quieter methods of contacting me such as email. I find that if I regularly check in with students globally and ask them to contact me with any concerns, that those who are shy or embarassed about their position within the class due to the language content are more encouraged to make problems known. I often have the ability to spend time with students in office hours, and will proactively suggest that any students with questions about their writing do the assignment in advance and then sit with me to help revise it before it is due. I may not do as much as humanly possible, but I definitely have success with proactive ELL students who would otherwise be shy or feel left behind.
Charlotte,
Wow, your efforts are outstanding! Your students will feel the concern, and care you offer for their success. May I suggest that you give each students a 3x5 card before the class ends. Ask them to write what they learned on one side of the card and put a plus sign (+) on that side of the card. On the other side of the card have them write what was confusing in class or an issues or challenge they are facing right now on the side with a minus (-). This may help them write a message to you while they are still in a safe atmosphere with you.
Arlene Muller
