English Language Learners (ELL) | Origin: ED202
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Teaching English Language Learners --> English Language Learners (ELL)
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
ELL students are just as capable of learning a new set of skills as a student who has spoken English their entire lives, you just need to find a way to meet them at their level.
One of the important take-aways from this module is that "colleges presuppose knowledge of the majority culture." Not being able to mesh into cultural aspects of post-secondary school may also be detrimental to ELL students.
Comment on Alphonso Turner Jr.'s post: I agree, so I cannot imagine how much more they struggle with learning medical terminology when they begin nursing school. It's a difficult enough for some whose first language is English.
Respect for cultural differences should be at the center of the instructor's approach to ELL students
It may take ELL students some time to develop academic language. This can take time and its important to remember it's a process.
Because many ELL students have learned conversational English, instructors sometimes expect them to understand academic English that they may not have had the opportunity to learn.
Although English language learners tend to learn conversational english first to interact they still may struggle with class content.
This module helped me understand how challenging it can be for English language learners (ELLs) to catch up academically, even if they seem fluent in conversation. It reminded me how important it is to respect cultural differences and support these students with patience and understanding. I plan to apply this by creating a welcoming environment and adjusting my teaching to make learning easier and more inclusive for them.
'Respect for cultural differences should be at the center of the instructor's approach to ELL students'
I should probably check in with students who ELL to make sure they understand the information from the days class.
With having two ESL learners in the classroom I have grown to understand their cues if they are having difficulties with understanding concepts. I try to make sure I am respectful and patient before I continue with the lesson.
Although ELL students may have great conversational skills, they might still find the course content difficult.
English Language Learners may be able to verbally communicate because it is a social necessity, but may have difficulty reading and writing English. Cultural considerations must also be taken into account when teaching the student.
Teaching cooking, thankfully, breaks down some of the language barrier found in other types of coursework.
I've had other students make fun of students for not knowing inches to feet and I have to remind them (and myself) that many students use other systems. It's interesting to think about the amount of time required to do well academically and how strong English can make one incorrectly believe the student has no difficulty.
I learned that it is not a quick process for ELL student to learn the language and it can take several years.
It's important to continually remind ourselves of the acute differences between conversational English and academic language/vocabulary needed for classroom success. It's easy to forget the difference exists when you can have a casual conversation but then see someone struggle in a different area.
It is important to know the background of your students.
Patience will play a role in teaching ELL students.
