T O P I C :

ELL Won't Work on His Own.

Kelly describes the issue: I am concerned about an advanced ELL student who, despite my efforts to get him involved, does not do his work. I have asked him one-on-one if I could do something more to help him, but he just smiles apologetically and shakes his head. He's a very nice and respectful boy. I try to work with him one-on-one when other students are doing independent work. This seems to help him get his work done, but I am unable to work with him for long stretches of time because other students call for my attention. I have asked him to come see me during seminar time (scheduled study hall) or before or after school, but he never comes. I know that he works after school and that he is often very tired; however, I don't want this boy to slip through the cracks. I know he is bright and very capable. Any suggestions?

Posted September 28, 2008

R E S P O N S E :

Two Practical Suggestions

Laurie Trahan writes: Kelly, I realize that you may not have this specific student anymore, but my guess is that you will run into this situation again in the future. I had several students like that in my previous ELL class, and I found two different approaches that really helped them.

First, instead of asking them if they needed help because I knew they would say no, I would say something like, "Let me see what you have done so far, so I can make sure you are on the right track." If you can find a way to make a statement similar to that one, then you simply avoid them being able to say no to you. I knew that those students needed help, and for some reason, perhaps pride or embarrassment, they would not ask.

I also realized that having another ELL student who was very proficient help them seemed to really work. One girl in my class everyone really liked, and she was super smart, so I would always "quietly" go to her and ask her if she would mind going to help those students. The students that needed help seemed to really respond well and feel more comfortable talking with her, especially because they could work things out in Spanish if they needed to.

Hopefully those are some ideas that you can keep with you for your future endeavors!

Posted November 11, 2008

R E S P O N S E :

A Touch of Spanish May Help.

Katy Henry writes: Laurie makes a good point about having another ELL help this student out. I think it's a great idea!

Also, have you tried getting some of his work translated into Spanish? You'd probably need quite a bit of help from the Spanish teacher, but it might be a good way for you and the student to learn something together.

If you could somehow connect his background to the work in your class, then you will be more likely to get good work out of him. For example, maybe some of your handouts or assignments could be written in Spanish, and it might be his job to translate the words to the class. The class would be able to learn about Spanish, and he would have the chance to interact with other students. This might be a sensitive subject for some students, so be careful with it; however, maybe slipping in a Spanish word here and there will make him want to participate more. Good luck!

Posted November 17, 2008

R E S P O N S E :

Contact the Parents

Katy Moore writes: I know this seems harsh, but have you tried e-mailing or calling his parents? One issue with several of my male advanced ELL students is the conception that, by doing their work, they are less cool. Often, after a conference with the parent and student, parents will recognize the need to check-in to make sure the work is being done.

Also, the student may be embarrassed that he needs more help, so he would rather save his pride and fail than ask for help. It may be safer to engage his parents or friends, and by engaging his family in the problem, they may be able to help.

I know you will do what is right, because you have already recognized the need for help, which means you have saved him from falling through the cracks for now!

Posted November 28, 2008

R E S P O N S E :

The Value of a Caring Teacher

Tonya Seaton writes: Kelly, have you talked with the ESL teachers in your building? Does he attend an ESL class during his day? How does he do in this class? Is he failing your class? If so, are there any school policies that require him to come to you for extra help at lunch? Also, does he play sports? If so, talk to his coaches. The kid is lucky to have a teacher like you who cares so much. Don’t beat yourself up . . . . sounds like you’re doing everything you can think of to help him.

Posted December 5, 2008

E-mail your suggestions and comments to fbowles@uark.edu