Teacher Discussion Forums

Would someone like to share their experience as a push-in ESL teacher? I am unsure how I would handle teaching in this role. Does the ESL teacher act as remedial support for the ELLs by following along with the lesson being taught by the mainstream teacher? I would assume that both teachers are plan...

I recently witnessed several lesson presentations in my ESL certification class. I was impressed with how well some teachers touched on “hot topics” or controversial issues within their lesson. It got me thinking about how I would handle teaching such topics while remaining neutral and sensitive to ...

I think you bring up a great point! I too have never given much consideration to effective listening activities. I guess I always assumed that listening would automatically be included in my lessons through reading, speaking, or writing activities and that would be enough. I have come to discover th...

Over time and through classroom experience you will notice that it becomes easier to transition between roles and quickly adapt to the needs of your students. Once you get to know their individual strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles you will be able to anticipate the teaching role they requir...

I like Shiwei’s suggestion of using self- and peer- assessments. This will help keep students involved and motivated as they learn to monitor performance. Students can assess by using checklists, setting their own goals, and asking partners for confirmation. This type of assessment will also strengt...

You could choose a performance-based assessment in the form of group projects, student portfolios or journals. These types of assessments may be more time-consuming than a typical test because students are being tested on the process of performing various tasks and meeting the objectives. This type ...

Through my reading I have come to learn that there are many styles of successful language learning. When learners gain self-awareness of their individual styles, they can choose learning strategies that might work best for them. Teachers can administer informal self-checklists or personality style t...

I think you brought up a good point about the expectations for classroom interaction that other cultures may have. Especially for adult ELLs who already went through school in another country and are accustomed to that culture’s style of teaching and learning. For example, students may be use to onl...

I agree that CALL can be a very effective tool in the language classroom. However, I think the important thing that teachers need to be mindful of, is relying too heavily on computers and believing that they will miraculously create a successful student. I like that you referred to computer technolo...

I love the idea of having a website for your students. I just read about a similar idea that suggests having students become involved in creating a class website. Since students would be the ones creating the material that gets posted, not only would the site showcase their individual personalities,...

Hi Sunflower03 Thanks for your post! I found it very informative. I am studying to become an ESL teacher and have been reading about the importance of using authentic and meaningful language with ELLs. I like the point you made about including activities that are focused on real world tasks to impro...

I agree that IEP programs could be a very effective way for students to learn a new language. From what I have read, it seems that most IEP programs are offered through 2-4 year colleges and universities. Has anyone seen this type of program offered in public secondary schools? The full-time approac...

I am currently working toward my ESL teacher certification, and I would like to think that the ESL classroom serves as a “safe haven” for language learners. The ESL teacher is the one who truly understands what challenges students face and is responsible for making them feel comfortable and supporte...

I am currently reading Teaching by Principles by H. Douglas Brown, and I have come to learn that finding ways to motivate ELL's is a common challenge for teachers. If students can be motivated intrinsically rather than extrinsically, they will be more likely to succeed. Instead of using extrinsic mo...