Student Interaction: Implications for Policy

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Student Interaction in Pair Activities in Beginning ESOL Classes
Kathryn Harris, Researcher
NCSALL Adult ESOL Lab School and Department of Applied Linguistics, Portland State University

Implications for Policy

• How do teachers convince policy makers (deans, etc.) that teachers can step out and let students take over
• Language acquisition vs. literacy – there is a tension on how so spend the time
• Teacher training- does it change what we do?, Be more aware of teacher roles, observe interactions
• Use of second language
• Students need time to practice
• We need a way to get new information out to teachers
• Directors need to understand the “stand back” policy during pair activities. Do not negatively judge teachers for interrupting
• Different accountability standards- students don’t’ learn what
• Teachers’ training and administrators’ training changes being more aligned with this research
• Fund teacher training to persuade teachers of importance of paired activities