English Language Learners Teacher Suggestions

Suggestions for teachers of ESL/bilingual students

The DO’s

• Be aware of cultural differences. For example, some cultures may not display as much excitement as American students typically do.
• Make your feedback truthful. Some students will take a comment such as “Your paper is good,” to mean exactly that, but you as the teacher who said it meant that “The paper is a good start, but it needs some work.” Make your comments exact.
• Be aware of the body gesture customs of the culture of your student. For example, things, like touching a student on top of the head, pointing your finger at a student, or giving the “okay” sign may be considered offensive in the home countries of some of your students.
• Make accommodations for students to ask for clarification. Some cultures are reluctant to ask for clarification during class such as the American culture does. Encourage students to ask questions.
• Give students “wait time.” Students that are learning a language need more time to process the language. They need time to translate what was said into their language, think of an answer, translate that answer into English, then say it.
• Be sensitive to patterns of prejudice and conflict.
• Be aware of the gender and age roles in the countries of your students.
• Make tests that are not culturally biased.
• Let students have their silent period; it is an important part of their learning.
• Be patient.
• Be consistent with feedback.
• Slow speech slightly, and use simple grammar when speaking.

The DONT’s

• Don’t assume that students will volunteer to answer all of your questions.
• Don’t embarrass of frustrate students by putting them in the spotlight.
• Don’t allow “put downs.” Encourage students to help one another.
• Don’t force students to speak; they will when they are ready to.
• Don’t put down a student’s culture.
• Don’t use a louder voice as if they cannot hear you.

*This list compiled by Desiree Serra and Tiffany Viall “ESL Handbook for Mainstream Teachers”