Working With ELL Students
I have been given the opportunity to work with two different English Language Learners. I meet with the students on an every other week basis. For example, if I work with one student on Tuesday the next week I will work with the other student on Thursday.
One of my students is from Nepal. This student is motivated to learn English, however I have come across the realization that it is difficult to teach some parts of English because the language does not make complete sense. The other day we were learning about food and I became aware of how the cultural differences had an impact on a student's learning. There were foods in the United States that the student was not allowed to eat because his culture just did not eat those foods.
My other student I have learned is having a very difficult situation outside of school but it is really having a negative impact on her learning. This student has been told by their family that they will be returning to her country for an arranged marriage. This decision that has been made on her behalf has caused so much stress that she has completely shut down. Attendance has become inconsistent, assignments are not getting done, and there is refusal to participate. This situation has really opened my eyes to even though school can be an escape for some students from the stress of the outside world, the stress of some can be too much to escape.
One of my students is from Nepal. This student is motivated to learn English, however I have come across the realization that it is difficult to teach some parts of English because the language does not make complete sense. The other day we were learning about food and I became aware of how the cultural differences had an impact on a student's learning. There were foods in the United States that the student was not allowed to eat because his culture just did not eat those foods.
My other student I have learned is having a very difficult situation outside of school but it is really having a negative impact on her learning. This student has been told by their family that they will be returning to her country for an arranged marriage. This decision that has been made on her behalf has caused so much stress that she has completely shut down. Attendance has become inconsistent, assignments are not getting done, and there is refusal to participate. This situation has really opened my eyes to even though school can be an escape for some students from the stress of the outside world, the stress of some can be too much to escape.
What aspects of language have you found difficult to teach? Can you guestimate what WiDA level the student may be at based upon your interactions?
ReplyDeleteCultural practices and differences can be pretty significant, have you read more about arranged marriages in the country?
This must be an amazing experience to work with two different English Language Learners. Not only do you get to interact with two students who appear to be at different levels, you can compare the similarities and differences. The impact of arranged marriages on younger adolescents is significant, and it directly correlates with Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
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