ESL
classes helping international students overcome language
barrier
By Blake Berrett
December 22, 2005 | From classrooms
to chat rooms, exposure is the best English teacher.
English
as a second language programs in Cache Valley use
a variety of methods to teach students to read, write
and speak English. By doing this, students have a better
chance at learning the language. They need only two
things, practice and patience.
"Experience is the best teacher," said Gheslaine Richards,
who teaches at the English
Language Center of Cache Valley. "Students who succeed
in the classroom are those that practice outside of
the classroom," said Richards. "Students [those] who
work in English speaking environments tend to learn
the language faster."
Many of the methods ESL teachers use vary from classroom
work to using computer software. However, many are convinced
that practice outside of the class will greatly increase
success. Glenda Cole, Director and Associate Professor
of the Intensive English Language Institute
at Utah State, said her students enjoy using the Internet
to communicate and learn.
"I use MSN Messenger and chat rooms to keep in touch
with my friends," said Jose Salcedo, a student of Cole's.
"Most of her students want to improve their reading,
writing and conversation skills while they attend USU."
Salcedo is not alone, students in the Intensive English
Language Institute and worldwide use chat rooms and
discussion boards. A popular discussion board and chat
room is Dave's ESL Café. The site is dedicated to teachers
and students of ESL. Users can chat on topics from current
news to the best ways to learn English. The ESL Café
also provides help with pronunciation, grammar and quizzes
to test the users knowledge.
There are many Web sites to help ESL students, but
there is a draw back. Some students fear there is too
much slang online. A user in Dave's ESL Café, called
LucentShade said "Unfortunately, increased usage of
computers seems to erode things like grammar and spelling
in most cases."
Teachers at the English Language Center of Cache Valley
teach grammar and pronunciation using workbooks and
software. "When students can work at their own pace
it becomes more meaningful for them," said Dave Wind,
a computer teacher with the Center. "They click on vocabulary
words, practice grammar and sentence structure and have
control over dialogue when they watch and listen to
videos."
"Many of the students who begin at the Center have
never even seen a computer, they learn how to use a
computer mouse for the first time," said Wind.
Many students at the English Language Center are Hispanic
and trying to learn English to function within the community.
There are six courses taught at the Center from beginning
to advanced classes.
"Most of the students who move on to the advanced
classes can prepare to attend the University," said
Richards, who teaches the beginning classes.
At Utah State University, many international students
enroll at the Intensive English Language Institute.
The Institute sees many students form the Pacific Rim,
while the English Language Center has many Hispanic
students. The Institute offers courses geared towards
helping ESL students with grammar and social skills.
The English Language Center focuses more on community
survival skills, employment, conversation and grammar,
reading and writing, health care, shopping and banking.
They also provide courses in citizenship and GED preparation.
Other ESL Links:
Edufind.com
EnglishClub.com
ESL:
Google Groups
NW
MS |
