Tutoring English language learners
Abstract
In order to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners, tutors may need some extra support and training. This effective practice shares strategies from the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory/ LEARNS that will help when tutoring English language learners. Nicky Martin shared these tips on the NSSCTalk e-mail discussion list in March 2004.Issue
There are a variety of factors that make tutoring linguistically diverse learners more challenging, including the cultural bias inherent in some texts, hesitancy on the part of the student and idiomatic expressions that native English speakers often take for granted.Action
If your volunteers tutor English language learners, you may find the following tips and resources helpful:- Watch your language. Speak simply and clearly. Use short, complete sentences in a normal tone of voice. Use actions and illustrations to reinforce oral statements. Visual aids, prompts, and facial expressions help to convey meaning. Avoid using slang or figures of speech; they often confuse learners.
- Model correct usage. When English language learners make a mistake or say something that sounds awkward, they are trying to apply what they know about their first language to English. Respect the struggle inherent in learning a new language.
- Value the culture of the learner. Start by asking your students to teach you about the language and customs of their country of origin. Then try learning a few words in their language.
- Ask for help. The number of languages spoken in the United States is astounding. You may be able to find someone who can give you more information about the culture and language of the students you tutor.
- Intercultural institutes in the community can help you with cultural issues.
- Encourage conversation. Meaningful interaction will speed progress.
- Activities like drama and sports create opportunities for students to interact with fellow students in meaningful ways. Tutoring sessions can take place anywhere -- in a field, in the gym, in a park. Push back from your desks and move around.
- Think of learning a new language as a process. Many English language learners may seem fluent socially, but they may experience more confusion when tackling complicated academic tasks. Have students make and keep a language journal to track their efforts to use language in new ways.
Context
According to the 1990 Census, one in five school-age children live in households where the primary language is not English. Tutors, therefore, can expect to encounter many English language learners. In order to meet the needs of culturally (and linguistically) diverse learners, tutors need well-developed communication skills, sensitivity to individual needs, and a willingness to initiate links among home, school, and community life.
LEARNS is a partnership of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory and the Bank Street College of Education, providing training and technical assistance to Corporation for National and Community Service and Federal Work Study projects focused on literacy and education.
Posted On
May 20, 2004For More Information
Resources
See the document Guidelines for Reading Tutoring Sessions for more information.
Visit the LEARNS English Language Learners (ELL) Resource page at:
http://www.nwrel.org/learns/resources/ell/index.html.
The Bank Street College of Education Literacy Guide for English Language Learners at:
http://www.bankstreet.edu/literacyguide/ell.html.
NSSCTalk is an e-mail discussion group, created primarily for the participants in the National Senior Service Corps, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Anyone with related concerns, however, is invited to join in. To subscribe by e-mail, send a blank message to join-nssctalk@lists.etr.org
Or subscribe via the Lyris Listmanager web page at http://lists.etr.org/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=nssctalk/.