English as Second Language (ESL)
About
ESL learners come to Australia with little understanding of the English language and Australian culture. It is difficult for them to become accustomed and comfortable with their new class, when there is a barrier of culture. ESL students often fall behind and find it hard to learn, as they are not comfortable or engaged in the classroom.
This may be commonly represented by behaviours of shyness, being introverted and not engaging in classroom activities, amongst other social issues. This may be linked to low-self esteem and a feeling of low self-worth. By becoming immersed in the English language, yet continuing to embrace their own culture, ESL students will feel less isolated, at school and in the community.
This may be commonly represented by behaviours of shyness, being introverted and not engaging in classroom activities, amongst other social issues. This may be linked to low-self esteem and a feeling of low self-worth. By becoming immersed in the English language, yet continuing to embrace their own culture, ESL students will feel less isolated, at school and in the community.
Classroom Approach
In the classroom there are many different ways to use culture as a tool of engaging ESL learners. ESL students may have different backgrounds, beliefs, morals and understandings to other students in the class and it is important to ensure that there is a mutual respect of this in your classroom.
USING FIRST LANGUAGE
While the ESL student is focussing on learning English, using their first language to assist their learning is a useful tool to engage them and ensure they understand concepts clearly (Multicultural Programs Unit, Learning Programs Branch, 2007).
CULTURE TALK
Students are given the opportunity to give a culture talk to their peers with a partner. As a pair, they must learn about each others cultures and present to the class on both of these. This should be a hands-on talk and can incorporate various aspects of their cultures, for example, traditional food, dance, garments .etc. By working with a partner, the student is not alone and has someone to collaborate with.
INCLUDING PARENTS IN THE CLASSROOM
According to Catina (2007), when the parent is included in the education of the child, there is an increase in student achievement.
USING FIRST LANGUAGE
While the ESL student is focussing on learning English, using their first language to assist their learning is a useful tool to engage them and ensure they understand concepts clearly (Multicultural Programs Unit, Learning Programs Branch, 2007).
CULTURE TALK
Students are given the opportunity to give a culture talk to their peers with a partner. As a pair, they must learn about each others cultures and present to the class on both of these. This should be a hands-on talk and can incorporate various aspects of their cultures, for example, traditional food, dance, garments .etc. By working with a partner, the student is not alone and has someone to collaborate with.
INCLUDING PARENTS IN THE CLASSROOM
According to Catina (2007), when the parent is included in the education of the child, there is an increase in student achievement.
School Approach
STAFF AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION
Staff in the school should be aware of ESL students and should find tools to cater for these individual students. If the school has bilingual staff this can be used to the advantage of ESL students. For example, an art teacher who speaks Chinese can greet the students in Chinese and expect an appropriate response. This allows ESL students to see that there are others who can speak their language and support them in the school community.
Additional School/Personal Resources and Support Networks:
The following links are to some engaging ESL activities which will assist you in incorporating culture into the classroom.
Hand Matching Culture Game
Find Someone Who...
An American website with many useful ESL activities
Better English For Everyone - Resources and Activities
DEECD - Information about services and resources available for teachers and parents of ESL students
English as a Second Language (ESL) Companion to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. (2005). http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/esl/index.html
Department of Education (2007). The ESL Handbook http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/teachlearn/student/eslhandbook.pdf
http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/teachlearn/student/lem/eslenglishvels.pdf
http://museumvictoria.com.au/education/resources/?subject=english-esl-lote&search&topic=English,%2520ESL%2520%2526%2520LOTE&rs=13
http://www.oellen.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Pathway-Planning-Guidelines-final.pdf
http://www.cmy.net.au/Assets/446/1/Participant_Chapter_5.pdf
http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/teachlearn/student/lem/eslr98.pdf
http://www.aussieeducator.org.au/education/specificareas/esl.html
http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/literacy/files/links/Strategies1.doc
http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/esl/index.html
http://www.vic.gov.au/education/adult-community-education-ace/migrant-esl-education.html
http://www.esleducators.org.au
http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/vce/studies/english/index.aspx (could be interesting as it is the VCAA ESL study design)
http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/framework/p-12/esl-learners.html
http://www.deewr.gov.au/Schooling/Programs/EnglishasaSecondLanguageNewArrivalsProgram/Pages/default.aspx
STAFF AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION
Staff in the school should be aware of ESL students and should find tools to cater for these individual students. If the school has bilingual staff this can be used to the advantage of ESL students. For example, an art teacher who speaks Chinese can greet the students in Chinese and expect an appropriate response. This allows ESL students to see that there are others who can speak their language and support them in the school community.
Additional School/Personal Resources and Support Networks:
The following links are to some engaging ESL activities which will assist you in incorporating culture into the classroom.
Hand Matching Culture Game
Find Someone Who...
An American website with many useful ESL activities
Better English For Everyone - Resources and Activities
DEECD - Information about services and resources available for teachers and parents of ESL students
English as a Second Language (ESL) Companion to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. (2005). http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/esl/index.html
Department of Education (2007). The ESL Handbook http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/teachlearn/student/eslhandbook.pdf
http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/teachlearn/student/lem/eslenglishvels.pdf
http://museumvictoria.com.au/education/resources/?subject=english-esl-lote&search&topic=English,%2520ESL%2520%2526%2520LOTE&rs=13
http://www.oellen.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Pathway-Planning-Guidelines-final.pdf
http://www.cmy.net.au/Assets/446/1/Participant_Chapter_5.pdf
http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/teachlearn/student/lem/eslr98.pdf
http://www.aussieeducator.org.au/education/specificareas/esl.html
http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/literacy/files/links/Strategies1.doc
http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/esl/index.html
http://www.vic.gov.au/education/adult-community-education-ace/migrant-esl-education.html
http://www.esleducators.org.au
http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/vce/studies/english/index.aspx (could be interesting as it is the VCAA ESL study design)
http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/framework/p-12/esl-learners.html
http://www.deewr.gov.au/Schooling/Programs/EnglishasaSecondLanguageNewArrivalsProgram/Pages/default.aspx