ESL Tips

from Chane Eplin and Sherry Siler

Tip #1: Consider our audience.
Find out as much as possible about the culture of that particular student before making suggestions. I have information in my office on various cultural groups in Florida (data and info from FDOE) if needed. Try to feel the culture from the inside out.

For example, in Japanese culture, failing in school is a disgrace to the whole family. I had a Japanese student at USF who knew she was going to return to Japan with failing grades. This student became so desperate that she asked a friend of mine to marry her. At least she could return with a husband, if not a passing score. I realize a deep understanding of each culture is much easier said than done; however, sensitivity is the key. Sometimes how we say something is as important as what we say.

Tip #2: Stick with the facts.
These recommendations are made because of test scores, essays, etc., and other verifiable data that clearly indicate a need for assistance so the student will succeed in college. We must help the student understand that he or she is being treated fairly, not being unjustly singled out or discriminated against because of a language difference. When the facts indicate a need, a deficiency, it is our job to meet that need.

We must ensure that our students take whatever steps necessary to succeed at the college level. The clearer we present the particulars of that need and the intervention measures recommended, the more believable and convincing it will be to the student. Let the facts speak for themselves.

Tip #3: Care passionately for our students.
Ensure that students know we have their best interests at heart. The rapport developed between the professor and the student is critical for convincing a student, especially when the need for tutoring or the need for ESL classes is the heart of the issue. I do not think that most students feel good about their test scores, do you?

Even though we are the instructors, we need to remember that we earn the right to speak into a student’s life, affecting his or her classes, schedule, tutoring, etc.
When the student perceives our genuine efforts to assist him or her in meeting goals in college, he or she will be much more likely to be receptive to our suggestions. Students may or may not remember what we taught them, but they will remember how we made them feel.

Tip #4: Affirm our students' intelligence.
Ask the student about his or her academic success in his or her native country. Explain that our suggestion has nothing to do with intelligence, but with English language acquisition. The issue is skill in English. Let’s face it: most of us would do well to improve our English skills, wouldn’t we?
Even native speakers realize the benefit of studying their native tongue.

It is never a bad idea to study the English language in greater depth. The skills acquired in the study of the English language assist us all in learning every other subject. We are suggesting a course of action involving greater and more intensified English language learning. Even in our students’ native countries it is of great value to speak, read, write and understand English well.

Tip #5: Introduce our student to the ESL instructors at PCC.
Sherry Siler and I are equally excited about the ESL program at the college. Our ESL students are enthusiastic because the classes are excellent and beneficial. The program meets a vital need in the community, assisting second language learners in their endeavors to acquire degrees in higher education. The charisma, competence, and student-oriented approach of the ESL instructors will help to persuade the student that it will be to his or her advantage to enter the ESL classes or to be tutored in the TLCC.

I hope these tips assist us in our efforts to ensure success for all of our second language learning students at PolkCommunity College. If you would like more information, or if you wish to speak with Chane, he can be reached at X5333 in Winter Haven and X6235 in Lakeland. Sherry is also available if you need her. We look forward to hearing from you and to assisting our second language learners in every way possible. With our cross-departmental cooperative efforts and thriving team spirit, it will be difficult for a student to fail.