Sunday, September 23, 2007
ESL Student
This past week we did KATS like testing both days that at my placement. In my homeroom I have a ESL student. This student speaks hardly any English to none at all. The student does not even have a translator or any other kind of help through out the day. He does what the other students do by just observing. He has no clue what any one is saying to him. I find this very interesting since he took the same test as everyone else and will be graded the same as everyone else. I feel that the student should have some type of assistant through a translator or something. I have not had to deal with this type of situation before, but I now feel as a future teach I am letting a student slip through the cracks. If something like this starting now, what will it be like when I have been teaching for 5 years or more? If anyone has any suggestions on how to get through to this student please let me know.
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2 comments:
I'd be interested in hearing anything you can learn about ESL. I'm thinking of getting certified in that shortly after I find a teaching position.
I think there is a real need for it, as our area becomes much more multicultural. Also, I recently read "The World is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman, and the author talks about how the world is rapidly becoming a global village due to technology and outsourcing. In this global village, there are undoubtedly going to be misplaced students, who not only have to deal with going to a new school district when they move, they also have to worry about being unable to effectively communicate. Reaching out to those kids would be a really hard but really rewarding task, I'm sure.
The school district should have ways to help this student by providing ESL services. This is vital or this student will fail. I bet if you put some time into research there may be suggestions of what to do. Such as drawing pictures to demonstrate concepts, or using an online translator. Also, this student could have a pocket translator. I'm not an expert in this field, but there is a way to help each individual and with a little time you may be the difference/turning point in this students education. This country is diverse, that's the beauty of it and as educator's it is our duty to be the welcoming committee that values diversity and provides an atmosphere for success.
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