STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE
INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

COMMON QUESTIONS TEACHERS ASK ABOUT ESL STUDENTS

• If I do not speak the student language, what should I do in an emergency?
  Find a translator or a student who is a native speaker.
  
  
• Should I correct student's errors?
  No. Model the correct use of the language.
  
  
• When will the ESL student learn English? How soon?
  This depends on the student's level of language proficiency. It could take from 1 to 7 school years (first two years for social language development and three to seven years for academic language development).
  
  
• Why can't ESL students speak as well as they write, or vice versa?
  Oral language skills develop first as is usually the case in any other language.
  
  
• Why do ESL students stay quiet in the classroom?
  I know they understand. ESL students may remain quite for a variety of reasons:
• 1. They may not really understand the language;
  2. Fear of embarrassment; or
  3. disconnectedness or lack of motivation.
     
     
• How do I correct students when they pick up bad language on the playground?
  Follow the same procedure you would use with any other child.
  
  
• Is there any computer program for ESL students?
  Yes. Contact your media specialist/coordinator and/or your technology coordinator.
  
  
• Can I test an ESL student for disabilities if they do not speak English?
  Yes, you can. Contact the bilingual specialist in your school or district for assistance or more information.
  
  
• How do you distinguish a learning disability from a language limitation?
  You may wish to contact the ESL teacher or ESL coordinator for assistance and/or more information.
  
  
• What if there is jealousy, ethnic, or racial animosity between newcomers and the existing school population?
  Promote diversity and tolerance among students by acknowledging everyone's contribution to society.
  
  
• Can we retain a child or assign a child to special education classes if they do not speak English?
  No. This cannot be the only reason to retain or assign a child to special education classes.
  
  
• Why don't most ESL parents come to school when I send conference letters to their homes? 
  There are several reasons:
  1. they might not speak the language;
  2. fear of deportation; and
  3. responsibilities with multiple jobs.

These suggestions are taken from CLASSROOM TEACHER'S ESL SURVIVAL, Elizabeth Claire and Judy Haynes, 1994 (Prentice Hall Regents).