Searcy (LP) Nowadays, more and more foreign students come to American high schools and universities. They are from all over the world with diverse cultural backgrounds and academic preparations. However, not all of them can speak fluent English. Most of foreign students need several years to learn English and also the different culture is the most difficult thing for them to learn.
A student whose first language is not English will participate in an English program called ESL(English as a second language). Many ESL students can feel extremely overwhelmed being immersed in a country where they don’t speak the language; it can be very frustrating because they cannot understand or participate in a class that is entirely taught in English or in the outside world around them. This program helps foreign students learn more English and makes their transition to a new land easier. It involves different parts, like speaking, writing, reading and listening.
Searcy schools have 135 foreign students, Searcy High School has 33 foreign students which occupied 6% among all the schools and there are 8% of spanish, 1% of chinese,and 1% of vietnamese. Most of these students can speak English and only 10 of them need some help on their language. What kind of of technology support can ESL students get from school or ESL teacher? Ms. Martin who is a spanish teacher and ESL teacher at SHS said they often have laptops, google translate to help these students with their English and also if it is possible, teachers can get students textbooks which are in their first language to help them understanding their class. Not every foreign student, when they cannot understand the teacher’s instruction, where can they find help? Ms. Martin mationed if they cannot understand what teacher saying, they can ask teacher to slow down and give them sample instruction.They also can find a partner during the class, this will also help them a lot on their school. English language learners are a mix of students with different proficiency, literacy, knowledge base and school experience. They have a special assessment at the end of the semester to test their English. The test is called ELPA(English Language Proficiency Assessment). The test is in February and it assesses both the receptive and productive language skills in contexts relevant to academic studies at tertiary level. ” It can help teachers to check the English levels of the foreign students and know which part of language they need help.” Ms.Martin explained. They also have a test called LAS(language Assessment Skill) to identify an ESL student when they first come the United States. Sometimes, the first language of foreign students can help them to get success in English environment. Foreign students can use their first language knowledge help them understanding some second language knowledge. “Knowledge can communicate to each other, if you need them, it can transfer into a new language. No matter in what language, the content of the knowledge will never change.” Ms.Martin said.
Foreign students all come from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. Different culture backgrounds impact foreign students’ school life. They can find a lot of different things and thoughts at their school and learn more. Hoping they can have a happy life in their high school.
