How do you accommodate for non-English speakers or low-level English speakers?
The interviewer would like to know how you adapt to students who are unfamiliar with the English language or come to your class as an ESL (English as a Second Language) student. This question addresses the level of extra care and supports you would be expected to provide students with this type of situation. Often, ESL students need much more after-class counseling or follow-up with their schoolwork. What other options can you think of to help the student integrate with the class and keep up with the homework? Prepare several strategies that accommodate non-native or non-English speaking learners in reading, discussion, exams, evaluations, and more.
Here are some examples:
1) Pair a foreign learner with a friendly classmate who can help them with their work and adjustment outside of class.
2) Provide written and translated handouts for presentations.
3) Provide study questions, transcribed vocabulary lists or keywords lists.
4) Put students in groups or pairs and avoid having the foreign speaker working alone.
5) Provide one-on-one meeting opportunities and give the student constructive feedback.
"I have had a few ESL students in the past and accommodate them in any way possible. The most effective way that I have seen in the past is to partner them with another student fluent in English. This way, the students each learn something. How to coach, how to cooperate, how to embrace, and how to communicate with those different from us."
"I believe that the best way to accommodate non-English speakers and have them feel part of the student community would be for them to be able to teach something from their native language to their classroom as well. Diversity makes the world go round, and I would encourage all of my students to embrace that. To help the non-English students to learn quickly, I would also provide them with translation resources and a classroom buddy to help out."
"I will usually know ahead of time before a student arrives at my class, with lower level English skills. I like to prepare a few things for them including translation resources and a list of recommended reading for them to take home. I will often recommend tutoring after school as well as a few free, but useful community resources."
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