There are many reasons "y" learning languages is important.
In 2008, The Pew Research Center reported that if current trends continue, the population of the United States will rise to 438 million in 2050, from 296 million in 2005, and 82% of the increase will be due to immigrants arriving from 2005 to 2050 and their U.S.-born descendants. With a greater mix of ethnic populations in schools, language issues in classrooms are becoming more prevalent. This rise is coupled with the increase in technology, which has also added a unique set of complexities to language learning.
Teaching Methods
Both tenured and new teachers have developed instruction formulas. While some of those favored pedagogic methods may be effective for children learning English as a second language (ESL), this is not the case for all. Unless teachers relearn communication techniques for ESL students, these learners may fall behind others in the class and possibly resort to causing disruption for attention. Furthermore, it is important to not only have a repertoire of ESL teaching strategies but also develop an understanding for how the students in your classroom learn languages.
Pedagogic Style
In addition to teaching methods, research has shown that pedagogic style can encourage or discourage language learning. As compared to teachers with more autocratic or didactic styles, educators with a democratic classroom management style appear to practice in a manner that is more culturally friendly. For instance, children in autocratic classrooms often have more silent desk work and fewer opportunities to interact with others. Consequently, vocabulary and language development of students in autocratic classrooms may be stunted.
Lack of Confidence
Some teachers present a lack of confidence stemming from the inability to communicate with students in their respective language. Moreover, the parents of ESL learners tend to be less involved in school functions and activities because they are unable to speak English. In certain circumstances, teachers may even rely on students to translate communications for their parents. At times when parent conferences are needed for reporting academic or behavioral problems, the language barrier can be problematic.
Technological Interference
BTW (by the way), C u l8er (see you later), Lol (laughing out loud)---all of these expressions have evolved as a result of communication via the internet and mobile devices. Although technology has created solutions for some previous communication hindrances, texting and instant messenger (IMing) have also produced a few issues for classroom learning. IMing and texting have punctured the rules predicating spelling, grammar and the construction of complete thoughts. Kids learned the text version way of spelling words before they have learned the proper spelling, and a great number of Internet chit chats are sent without regard to message cohesion or punctuation. This complicates even native English speaking students' ability to effective communicate in their own language.
Tags: autocratic classrooms, language learning
