Chapter 8

I particularly was interested in today’s chapter because, as someone who just decided to minor in ESL, I know that I will need to utilize many of the techniques that the writer’s were talking about. I especially liked how the writer’s were highlighting the differences between other languages and English, and that teachers need to focus on directing their teaching to adhere to the expectations of their foreign students. I feel like too many teachers teach the same way to all of their students and don’t consider their students’ differences or make adjustments accordingly. ESL students most definitely need to have their teachers adjust lessons to help them keep up with the class, and when I have ESL students I know that I will try and account for all of their differences and learning styles.

Other points of interest from this chapter were the writers making note that students of course need to practice English as much as they can in order to become fluent, but that they also need to continue to speak and read in their native language to acquire better English and learning skills. Being able to read a book in their native language before reading it in English helped many students, as we read, and talking to students about certain topics or lessons in both languages further aided these students in the learning process. As someone who can only speak English, I would find it hard to allow my students to write and speak their native languages in my class, but I know it is something that will help them immensely. I would have to go past my comfort zone, something that these students would be doing everyday so at least I would be able to know what they are going through. That way, they will be learning and I in turn will be learning about them and their native cultures.