Classroom Language &
Diversity
By Charles Perez
Diverse classrooms introduce students to a variety of
cultures. This cultural blending however may mean that not all students will
come from the same background. This can make it so in a class you can have
multiple students who speak different languages in the same room. These
students are referred to as ELLs (English Language Learners).
Facts About ELLs
·
ELLs
are the fastest growing group in the US
·
They
speak up to 400 languages
·
About
two thirds come from low income families
·
Most
ELLs are born in the US and are still developing their English language skills
To
get us thinking about ELLs please watch this short video.
Take a moment
to reflect on what you watched, it`s good for the brain.
Cool! Now that we thought about this how about a few
questions?
·
In
what ways could the teacher have helped Moises so he could exceed on his exam?
·
How
can a teacher create an environment that feels safe and inviting for ELLs?
·
How
can we as teachers, who may not speak the same language as our ELLs,
communicate with our students?
What About Cultural Identities?
As teachers we have to have an understanding
of our student`s cultural backgrounds. This can be beneficial for students as
we can integrate ways for them to learn due to us knowing something as simple
as where they are from. We also should embrace the whole classroom. This is
important because by doing this we are allowing the opportunity for multiple
students to gain an understanding of different cultural backgrounds.
· How did
your cultural background impact your identity as a student?
How About ELLs in History Class?
The text mainly focuses on how history
textbooks are the greatest struggle for ELLs. I do agree you cannot expect
students to learn from a text when they cannot fluently read the language. In
order to combat this, we should offer texts that are translated for our
students. We can also offer political cartoons and direct instruction in class.
By doing this when they have questions we can answer them rather than leave
them helpless in words.
· What
tools would you offer to students struggling with reading specific texts in a
classroom?
· How can
we inspire ELLs students to ask questions when they do not understand a text?
· What
flaws could potentially be present if we offer a translated text rather than
the original?
My Final Thoughts
As teachers we are doing a disservice to our
students if we are not embracing the role of culture in the classroom. For ELLs
they may need it the most, because it is not easy to learn a new language. I
cannot imagine a scenario where I would excel in school if the whole class was
taught in French for example, so how can we expect young kids to succeed when
they are still grasping English. Overall, I do believe that as teachers we should
offer multiple versions of texts, pictures, as well as patience. We should not
single them out and make them feel rejected by their peers. We should make them
feel good and motivated so this way they will continue learning and moving
forward in their education.
Charles, thank you for sharing the video with us. I think it was a great wake up call to teachers who don’t understand what it is like trying to learn a different language while also going to school in a class where they only speak English. Moises’ teacher could have translated the problem in class to Spanish so he can better understand what the problem is referring to. She could also ask administrators for an interpreter while he is still developing his English language skills. His teacher should make it clear to the whole class that Moises is not fluent in English so he may need extra attention and may need help from his peers. By doing this she is making everyone aware that Moises should be encouraged by his schoolmates. She can also support him by trying to translate things for him even though she may not know Spanish herself. It is important that Moises knows what the content is stating, because without that understanding there is not much he can do.
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate enough to have teachers or teachers aids that helped me learn English. Spanish was my first language and the only exposure of English I had before starting Pre-K was from the cartoons I would watch. Having that help and support system in bilingual classes helped me learn English fluently in a matter of years. It helped that I was surrounded by other Mexican and Puerto Rican peers that also spoke Spanish at home. Being Latina was not out of the ordinary and I felt that I was able to fit in because all my friends looked like me. When I moved to the suburbs in 5th grade; however, I did not feel as comfortable speaking Spanish with my friends and it was like English was used in school and Spanish at home.
When a student is not used to speaking or listening to English like Moises was it is not okay to assume that he will learn it by himself eventually. Other than translating texts for him his teacher could also give him the same text in English so that he can pick up some of the words that he is unfamiliar with in English. He should also be given flash cards with important vocabulary for the week and have the word in English on one side and on the other the translation of the word and the definition in Spanish and English. He should be tested on the vocabulary words at the end of the week in English to make sure he is on track with the rest of his peers. ELL’s should have access to language aids in every school so that they are properly taught English. There should be a requirement that if there is no bilingual or ESL courses offered then students can apply to be given extra aid. ELL’s should also be assigned educational videos to watch outside of class that can be watched in English with subtitles in Spanish. The more exposure with English will benefit the student in the long run. Presenting ELL students with only translated texts will not help them excel in learning and developing their English. We as teachers have to make sure that we aren’t only helping the student pass the class but that they are carrying with them the skills they need to master the English language.
Jennifer wrote this by the way!
DeleteCharles I thoroughly enjoyed reading what you got from our readings this week. I also really like your use of memes.The case of Moises is reality for many children. The teacher in the video you shared did not handle Moises well. Instead of guiding Moises to the answer and seeing that he did the work right she basically just brushes him off and goes to the next person. This is a huge hit for the students ego and usually will cause them to become disassocaited with school. The ways that we can combat this is by one on one communication. We as teacher, especially History teachers, need to keep students engaged. It's bad enough many students believe what we are teaching boring but if they do not understand it, it is our job to make sure they do. ELL students require one on one attention, they require worksheets adjusted for them. A student should not feel just because they do not know they language that it should be the end of the world. A simple translated text would mean the world for ELL students
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, thanks for telling your story Jennifer! I have never been an ELL learner, so hearing others experiences is very informative for myself. Second, I feel Moises teacher was very unhelpful to her students. I understand working with students all day is exhausting, but she just seemed so frustrated with them that she couldn't notice the students struggling or the shyer students not being able to communicate their thoughts well. One way she can keep the environment positive is by not getting mad at the student for not understanding! This makes students feel like they are doing something wrong because they don't know certain things, which I do not think is a good way to educate! I also think we should be familiar, as educators in America, with a language that 1/6 of the country speaks. It is ignorant to not recognize the place Spanish has here in the U.S., and we shouldn't punish those who speak it. Unfortunately, with translations, texts can take on different contextual elements. Like a joke in Spanish that relies on the phonics or a cultural aspect, might not make any sense in English, and vice versa. Ultimately, I think this all comes back to the teacher's willingness to communicate with her students. We should always be trying to help and understand our students, and not lazily blame them for not knowing things. ¡Es importante!
ReplyDeleteJack^ (I finally could post this on the UIC WIFI) My Wi-fi at home kept crashing the site.
DeleteThanks for sharing that video Charles. I am from a rural area in America so I have never witnessed or had any experience with what it would be like for an ELL student since I grew up not knowing any. Watching that video and reading what Jennifer experienced was quite eye opening. I feel communication between teacher and student is very important, especially in this case. Moises obviously tried his best as the teacher was sort of dismissive with him. Moises I feel is not how most students who are struggling would react, by that I mean I feel most students would be scared to reach out for the extra assistance. More students are likely to give honest feedback if feedback received on where they are at with their language is kept anonymous. Something like this can be somewhat embarrassing to some students and will be reluctant to approach higher ups about the situation.
ReplyDeleteI also find it crazy how ELL students are the fastest growing body of students in America. According to https://www.renaissance.com/edwords/english-language-learner/ they state that by 2025 an estimated 25% of all students will fall into this category. This will create some problems but I also feel that there can be many positives that come out of this. Being able to speak two languages well is a benefit in its own respect, but this will also help promote a healthier mind for learning according to many studies. I also feel that how the education system works that it suppresses the ELL students mother language in favor for english, which I understand is the most commonly accepted language here in America, but it goes against our "melting pot" ideology our country lays on. Instead we should find a way to implement both into children's education.