Teacher Discussion Forums

Structured English Immersion is an instructional model that intends to expedite the learning of English. Once again, the issue of immigrant children arises because these children need to retain the ability to function in their original culture even as they adapt to a new one. I think that this polic...

Hi Nina, This is an excellent question. With all of the policies and methods whether supported by administration or not, the important question is who will advocate for these students? As educators, we need to speak up if possible and support our programs. There will always be a financial issue but ...

I personally would have supported this notion. I think that including these students in these subgroups makes them visible and gives them the inclusion and support they need. Schools need to redouble their efforts to boost achievement for ELL students and students with disabilities.

What do you think about native-language instruction? It's basically a bilingual program. Do you think most teachers will stick to teaching English without the use of the native language? Could there be a program for those students that don't speak any English first and then they would be eligible fo...

Are private English schools good places for ESL teachers? Why not? In my opinion, they are a good place to start out. You can start to get experience to put on your resume and you’ll be able to start putting all the stuff you learned in your certification courses into practice.

Should you teach about “American” events such as the Super Bowl? Whatever this day is to us as Americans, it is definitely a part of our culture. The customs around this day can be shared with our ESL students. It also serves as a starting point to ask our students about similar events in their home...

My second language is Spanish. When I have students whose first language is Spanish, should I refrain from using my Spanish speaking skills? When a student has trouble expressing them self because they do not know a particular word or phrase, they become so discouraged. And when I use a new word or ...

How can you teach beginner ESL students English if you can't speak their language? I think the answer is TPR. This is a great method to teach any beginner language student. TPR for teaching involves the teacher using their body through gesture. A simple example would be walking into a classroom and ...

I absolutely think that showing films will help students with their English as well as be exposed to American culture. I have heard that many people learn a language well through the media. Disney films might be a good idea, or anything that is current that is not too racy. You might want to create ...

I believe that a positive future exists for bilingual ed. if there is support from legislation. I think that President Obama supports it, however it all depends on the views of those in charge in each state. Also, it always boils down to finances, so if there is no money to pay qualified teachers th...

Hi Patty, In my opinion, I think it's important to preserve the L1. The students should be made aware of the significance and value of their native language but should also strive to learn their L2. I understand that the pressure of "Americanization" exists and the families may want to completely er...

In my opinion, we need to try and avoid worksheets if possible. The students do not enjoy them and the best way to engage them is through active learning. As someone else posted, TPR is an excellent method. I teach vocabulary with pictures and gestures and in 7 years I have never had a negative expe...