Case: When your language doesn't match

Case Introduction/Commentary

Today's classrooms are filled with diversity. There are children from different cultures, races, social classes, and religions all trying to work together in the classroom. Sometimes it can be difficult for the teacher to accommodate all of these differences. This is especially the case in classrooms where the teacher's native language does not match the students' native language. The following case questions the use of regular education classrooms for ESL students.

Case from Preservice Teacher

I am observing a fourth grade class that has several Hispanic students who have difficulty understanding English. They sometimes have a hard time understanding what they are being asked to do. They also have a tough time explaining what they do not understand. With twenty students in a classroom, it is difficult for the teacher to provide the special attention these students need. This teacher does everything she can do for these students while they are in her class, but it just does not seem to help these students. The problem is that these students lack the important prerequisite skills they need to be successful in this classroom. As a result, it is difficult for these students to participate in small and large group discussions. They become embarrassed because their English is just not as good as the rest of the class.

I feel that this situation is hurting rather than helping the students. I do think that it is important for these students to be integrated into a regular class, but they also need a lot of one-on-one help. They might be better off in a bilingual class where the teacher could be of more help in facilitating understanding. The teacher in the bilingual classroom is more likely to have fewer students to work with and more likely to be able to speak the child's native language. If the students do not learn the basic information they need now, it will affect their education in the future. They will constantly be struggling in classes and some might even give up and quit school. The high school drop out rate is a major issue right now, but it could be lowered if situations like this one were handled properly.

Case Questions

1. What are some advantages that a bilingual classroom might provide for these students and their teacher?
   
   
2. Assuming a bilingual classroom is not available in the school or district, what are some specific suggestions that you would provide this teacher to help her teach this diverse group of children?
   
   
3. You have just found out that you are going to have an ESL student in your classroom. What are your responsibilities as a teacher to ensure that this student is successful in your classroom?
   
   
4. What are some resources that this teacher could utilize to help herself become better acquainted with the Hispanic culture and the Spanish language?