I agree the importance of everybody learning English in the school system here; however, I disagree with Sizemore's time limit on learning in ones native language. There should not be a time limit on something like this because there are many factors that cannot be controled by our policies. This policy may encourage some student to succeed quickly; however that is only some. Every student learns differently, and teachers should recognize this use strategies to benefit the students while encouraging them to learn. I worked with 4 and 5 year old ESL children many times in a school setting. the teachers spoke almost all English. They used alot of pictures and alot of hands on activities. Although 4 and 5 year olds learn languages alot faster than elders I do think that elders have the capability to learn just as fast, but it never works like that. Although the solution to this can not be pin-pointed at this moment there is one thing that stands true, all students should learn to be fluint in English in the school systems but should have a respectful parrellel to their native language. Hense, it is stated in the national standards for English Language Arts.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Teaching ESL
The article I chose talks about putting a limit on the time spent teaching ESL students in their native languages in Oregon. Bill Sizemore wants there to be a one year limit for elementary and a two year limit for high school. After these times are up the students must learn in all English. The article talks about the importance of getting all the students to learn English and different ways to encourage this. Within the article many teachers seem to disagree with the time limit.
I agree the importance of everybody learning English in the school system here; however, I disagree with Sizemore's time limit on learning in ones native language. There should not be a time limit on something like this because there are many factors that cannot be controled by our policies. This policy may encourage some student to succeed quickly; however that is only some. Every student learns differently, and teachers should recognize this use strategies to benefit the students while encouraging them to learn. I worked with 4 and 5 year old ESL children many times in a school setting. the teachers spoke almost all English. They used alot of pictures and alot of hands on activities. Although 4 and 5 year olds learn languages alot faster than elders I do think that elders have the capability to learn just as fast, but it never works like that. Although the solution to this can not be pin-pointed at this moment there is one thing that stands true, all students should learn to be fluint in English in the school systems but should have a respectful parrellel to their native language. Hense, it is stated in the national standards for English Language Arts.
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2 comments:
I agree with the fact that people should be encouraged to learn English in order to succeed in this country however we need to keep pace in mind. All teachers need to learn how to individualize and cater to specific needs of slower learners.
Children do learn faster and I think that hands on and visual aids really do help. That could be integrated into teaching ESL adults as well because if you can attach words to pictures the ability to remember will be increased.
I disagree with the time limit because of the afore mentioned learning capabilities and also peoples use for the language. Many people might only need enough information to get by in daily life whereas others need to learn more to conduct business so their need is greater.
A time limit I think might be discouraging and may be frusterating to those who really want to learn the language.
I strongly agree with the last comment. We really do need to be respectful of others native language and culture. I think that if we want them to learn oour language and adjust to our culture, then we should respect theirs.
I completely agree. I also would like to add that it's simply rude to put a time limit on one's native tongue. This is American, land of the free. Since when do we have the right to ban things such at language? We're a country based on diversity. If we get rid of that diversity, what are we? We wouldn't be any better than England, back when they ruled this land. Equality is for everyone, including those who chose to speak a different language. Yes, knowing English is good, but knowing another language is equally as important.
Nolan
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