ERIC Number: EJ745444
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-1784
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Teaching Students from Many Nations
Abrams, Judy; Ferguson, Julia
Educational Leadership, v62 n4 p64-67 Dec 2004-Jan 2005
Language learners' own intelligence, ability to concentrate, perseverance, cultural identity, high expectations, and organizational skills all play an important role in determining the ease with which students learn English while continuing to develop their first language. To accomplish the amazing task of acquiring a new language and culture, these learners need the support of culturally sensitive teachers, counselors, and administrators. At the United Nations International School (UNIS), education professionals do not try to create a "melting pot," Instead, they work cooperatively to create an intricate and strong patchwork quilt. Each student's piece of the quilt must remain unique and strong in itself as it becomes part of the pattern, adding beauty to the interconnected whole. In this article, the author presents several stories of UNIS students that provide insight into what language learners need from and bring to any school. Strategies for meeting the needs of language learners are cited as follows: (1) Providing direct support for second-language acquisition; (2) Helping students adapt to new teaching and testing styles; (3) Respecting cultural diversity and individual learning styles; (4) Addressing learning problems and emotional needs; (5) Providing hands-on, active instructional support; and (6) Making time to develop linguistic fluency.
Descriptors: Second Language Learning, English (Second Language), Foreign Students, Student Needs, International Schools, Educational Practices, Educational Strategies, Student Diversity, Learning Problems, Emotional Development, Language Fluency
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. 1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714. Tel: 800-933-2723; Tel: 703-578-9600; Fax: 703-575-5400; Web site: http://www.ascd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A