Teaching English as an additional language

The Student Experience

This page is concerned with teaching and learning strategies helpful for pupils with EAL needs. An introduction to the topic with advice for teachers can be found here by playing this PowerPoint presentation EALwhatworks.ppt

 

The video below is a useful reminder of the needs of an EAL student. In particular, it is worth noting as you watch it the importance of the native language to the pupil. It is also worth considering the advantages of being an EAL student as so often it can be seen as a problem. In the case of Nicola, it seemed easier to add more languages and she has a knowledge of linguistics. Her experience has taught her to be analytical about language. Other matters which arise from this video include the importance of valuing the pupil's academic strengths beyond language. in the case of Nicola, her art is important. The video also gives an insight into how difficult it can be for EAL pupils on first arriving in a school. Finally, there are useful hints for the teacher. One is to use a keyword book, to talk slowly in a lesson including EAL pupils. Around the school, signs in all of the pupils' native language helps the pupil to feel welcome and to know where to go.

 The video below