Teacher Discussion Forums

According to H.Douglas Brown, of San Francisco State University,there are five moral dilemmas that lead to moral imperatives for "socially responsible" teachers. They are: Dilemma 1. "Risking the cultural biases of communicative approaches:" Imperative 1: Teachers need to respect cultural diversity ...

Years ago, teachers used to be focused on the product of a writing, giving little concern to the process of writing. As long as the grammar and organization was there, it was a success. However, now there is much more of a focus on the actual process of writing. Because of this, students need more t...

Obviously, there are challenges to teaching reading to students whose first language is not English (and sometimes even for those students whose first language is English!). However, there are lots of different types of curriculum in place to address those concerns. So, let's place that aside and as...

For my very first adult ELL clinical interview, I initially thought that my student had a pretty good comprehension of the English Language. However, upon analyzing the transcripts, I realized how wrong I was. What I had thought was comprehension was actually a lot of "yes" or "no" answers. Her corr...

I have been reading a lot about self/peer- assessment. But, how effective can self/peer-assessment really be, especially for students with limited English skills? One major benefit that I’ve read about is “increased motivation because of self-involvement in the process of learning.” I am definitely ...

I’ve been reading about alternative assessments. I understand that our students have to take traditional tests. However, I think that decontextualization of the test content and the timed format can make it very difficult for ELLs to be successful on standardized tests. I find myself more in favor o...

I would like some opinions on the “English Only” debate in ESL classrooms. I understand the value that a native language can bring to the classroom, especially when new difficult concepts are being introduced. However, where does one draw the line? What type of guidelines can be set up in order to m...

I am trying come up with strategies for interactive learning. Based upon some readings, here is what I have so far: Initiating conversation with students so that they can have the opportunity to speak, without the burden of initiating the conversation themselves. Questioning students in order to “in...

I really appreciate the advice of a long term teacher of refugees! Currently, I am at a school with a 45% population of ELLs. At this particular Elementary School there is not a high population of refugees. However, at the other Elementary School (in the same district) there is a significantly highe...

Like you, I am also a graduate student teaching an ESL class. I would love the experience of teaching in another country; I am currently teaching in an inner city in New Jersey. I do not believe that there is an age in which it is too young to begin teaching a second language (and many studies have ...

In September I will be a new ESL teacher at a K-6 school. The book that I am currently reading, in preparation, suggests evaluating a reading program based upon: textbooks and materials used to support the curriculum, classroom methodology, student performance, etc. Obviously, there are already text...

I understand the importance of reinforcing the importance of a student’s native culture and viewing it as an asset, as opposed to an obstacle. However, standardized tests in the States are geared towards native English speakers and furthermore geared towards students with a complete understanding of...

Sally- I also am working toward my ESL certification; I begin teaching in September. (I will be in an Elementary school). I like all of your creative ideas and I understand and agree with your statement: "If it is vital to talk, you will." My question is: How effective are group projects if the stud...

Currently I am preparing to teach in an Elementary School in an inner city area. (I begin in September). The school is located in a very low income area and also has a very high rate of mobility (28% of the student body moving in/out of the school last year). Also important to note that over 40% of ...