How To Set Up and Teach a Multi-lingual, Multi-level ESL Class

From LiteracyTentWiki

Teaching a multi-lingual, multi-level class using a bilingual or biliterate approach is not as difficult as it may seem.

Materials that can and in some cases should be used and owned by the students:

1. Bilingual dictionaries and picture dictionaries

2. Notebooks, three ring binders

3. Computers

4. CDs, DVDs that are loaned as "homework"

5. Internet resources:

   a. YouTube

   b. USA Learns

   c. LingQ

   d. PUMAROSA.COM

   e. ETC.

6. Flashcards

7. Real textbooks similar to "Dos Mundos" by Terrell. Let's use real books instead of handouts and texts that sometimes insult the intelligence of the students.

Thus "armed" any teacher can immediately begin teaching using a bilingual/biliterate approach.

Let's look at how different kinds of classes could be organized.

Let's say there are 25 students, all adults, who speak 5 different languages: 5 Japanese students, 5 Latinos, 5 Russians, 5 Germans, and 5 Portugese students.

The teacher can automatically break the class into these five groups and begin the study and "acquisition" of a basic vocabulary of, say, the most common 500 words, including 20 verbs.

By breaking the class into groups, the teacher can focus on the specific problem area of study encountered by each group, especially in pronunciation.

After a month of so of building a common vocabulary, all of the students are likely to be on the same page, as it were.

Using the above as a starting point, the class can evolve into an interesting multi-lingual and multi-cultural learning experience beneficial for all the students. In addition, all of the students are very likely to learn English at an accelerated rate as compared to the standard English Only approach.

Again, this is only an outline and I would be very pleased to learn the opinions and experiences of other teachers.

DESCRIPTION OF MY COURSE

1. The course utilizes a multi-level and multi-lingual approach focusing on the basics of English: speaking, reading and writing.

Each student will receive texts and appropriate audio cds and dvds as class and homework aids.

2. The course also utilizes computer based lessons, either online or on CD Rom. Refurbished computers can be used, please go to TechSoup.

3. To practice English in real life situations, field trips are part of the course, and will include visits to the library, post office, grocery store, etc.

4. Workplace English: every student will be able to learn and practice the English needed for different jobs, including filling out application and interviews.

5. Miscellaneous classes will focus on visits to the doctor or dentist, renting an apartment, opening up a bank account, etc.

6. Texts and computer based lessons:

a. Barron’s Picture dictionary

b. PUMAROSA workbooks, audio cds and dvds.

c. PUMAROSA.COM

d. USA LEARNS

e. LingQ

f. Study material for the US Citizenship exam

g. Computer basics

7. Course outline:

a. Level 1, building a common vocabulary. Practice of the vocabulary and phrases of: the alphabet, numbers, greetings, parts of the body, directions, the house, food, etc.

b. Level 2, asking and answering questions: who what, when where, how and why.

c. Level 3, pronouns and the present tense.

d. Level 4, future tense.

e. Level 5, past tense.

f. Level 6, Citizenship.

8. PUBLIC ACCESS TELEVISION

Weekly program called INGLES HOY ...ENGLISH TODAY.

Paul Rogers, 805-258-3310, pumarosa21@yahoo.com