Teaching ELL Students

Hello,
I'm Cheryl, and I attend Capella University. I am interested in learning what ELL specialists think are the main issues when it comes to teaching a student whose primary language isn't English. Especially since it's been said that in a couple of years Spanish speakers will be very prevalent in the US School systems.

1. what changes would you like to see pertaining to these students?.

2. Should the work be assigned in both languages?

3.what's the best way we can reach these students, and keep their interests?

I don't see much wrong with using Spanish, at least in the early stages, but what about speakers of other languages, who might feel left out?

kerica said:

Hello,
I'm Cheryl, and I attend Capella University. I am interested in learning what ELL specialists think are the main issues when it comes to teaching a student whose primary language isn't English, especially since it's been said that in a couple of years Spanish speakers will be very prevalent in the US school [STRIKE]systems[/STRIKE] system.

1. What changes would you like to see pertaining to these students? (No full stop required here)

2. Should the work be assigned in both languages?

3. (Space required here) What's the best way we can reach these students, and keep their [STRIKE]interests[/STRIKE] interest?

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See above. Please remember that learners will see on your profile that you are a teacher and a native English speaker and will assume that everything you write is correct.
There was no need to capitalise "students" in your title.

Tdol said:

I don't see much wrong with using Spanish, at least in the early stages, but what about speakers of other languages, who might feel left out?

Click to expand...

I do understand your point, but as was stated these students would be prominent in the school system in the future; we as teachers must find a way to teach and reach them.In Assessing English Language Learners by Margo Gottlieb, it is stated that "Alternate assessment, although used for students with special needs, may also refer to different approaches to assessing ELL academic achievement. Most common is administering a test in the student's native language". (pg. 159) This is the only way the student would get a fair assessment. There will never be an easy solution, but we must try all angles and find other ways to fulfill the needs of these students.

There won't, and in areas where one language is particularly dominant, it may work. But in London, for instance, there are some two hundred languages spoken, which makes things much messier.

What is the proponent language besides English in your school? I think if you focus on that language and work on it that would be helpful to your school. it would be a challenge, but the school must try to help the students reach their goal.Education should be for all not a few, and with the changes that are ahead of us something has to be done.

I agree and am happy about welcoming other languages into the mix. When I trained many years ago, learners' first languages were regarded as something to be stamped out in the classroom, which I never thought to be very helpful or respectful. For me, anything which helps is a tool for teaching.

As educators, we have to think outside the box, because the culture is becoming so diverse we have to turn to different methods of teaching; and find ways of teaching all. It would be very challenging but it's something that is needed. Start with the students that may be Spanish speakers and move on to the rest, or a least have the test given in their native language.