ESL In Arizona
Starting in September, school-age English language learners in Arizona will be spending four hours a day in classes specifically devoted to language learning; previously they spent only one hour a day in language lessons and the remainder in the same classes as their native English speaking peers.
This article doesn’t provide any idea of the students’ ability level, which obviously makes a difference, but from my experience with adult learners, it strikes me that it would be nearly impossible for many who are considered “language learners” to make it through regular classes when they are getting only one hour of language lessons a day. And while this situation does present a somewhat better possibility for children with different native languages to socialize, it wouldn’t surprise me if children segregate themselves, based on the practical notion of who they can communicate with and who they cannot. Maybe unhindered communication matters less for younger children.
On the other hand though, there are probably social consequences of separating students according to language background for a larger portion of the day. Still, although I don’t have any special insight into the realities of the US school system, aside from being a student once, more time for language lessons just seems like a better idea, especially in contrast to students attending classes which they can’t follow.
I have to say “hats off” though to teachers who work hard to educate all their students despite all these obstacles and regular changes; the whole situation is quite a dilemma, and I’m sure there are people out there with opinions more educated than mine
If you teach ESL in the US, or teach learners with different language abilities in your public school classes anywhere, what do you think?
Find the article here.
By Katie | Permalink
Related Posts
- Teaching Privately
- The Development Of Language
- Daily Dose: TEFL News From Asia
- Tips For Teaching Grammar
- Around The Web On TEFL: June 27
Subscribe
|
Print
|
Share               |
Comments
Thanks for sharing this insight - you make a good point about the importance of teacher training in how to teach a multi-level class.
I guess I’m envisioning many native speakers I know, who sometimes think it takes six months or so to master a language…not a particularly helpful viewpoint for those who really do have to learn.
Even though I’m an EFL teacher it’s hard for me to get a good handle of how things go in public schools at home, and to have a sense of language levels and requirements and so on. I’m glad to hear that mixed classes work out well at your school.
TEFL News
- Bad News For The British Council In Russia
- Taxes For US Teachers Abroad
- Sudan Teacher Arrest
- Korea Visa Changes
- Korea Visa Changes (Part 2)
- Thanksgiving / US Return Roundup
TEFL Forum
More BootsnAll Travel Network Sites
Destinations
© BootsnAll Travel Network - All rights reserved
This kind of intensive instruction makes sense for Beginning English Language Learners, and I hope that some bilingual assistance will be offered during that time. In addition, depending upon the situation, spending four hours with the same teacher might not be the best idea.
However, I think it\’s a mistake to create this sort of segregation for Intermediate & Advanced English Language Learners. Good teachers, with training, can certainly teach a multi-level class that includes native Englsh-speakers. Our high school does this all the time.
You\’re absolutely right — students, like most of us, will segregate themselves and spend time with people most like them. Part of the importance of school, however, is helping students prepare for participating in the broader world and with people different from themselves. We can at least begin this process in a mixed classroom.