Sample Assignments | Additional Resources
Working with Non-Native Speakers of English
Case students come from all over the world. For many, English is not their primary language; for others, English is one of several fluently spoken and written languages. This diversity is a great resource for our classrooms; however, it can also present significant challenges for students. While there will be a limited number of First Seminars designed for non-native speakers of English, many students will continue to need support beyond the First Seminar to address second-language issues in their writing. For such students, tutorial assistance in the Writing Center or with the SAGES Peer Writing Crew may be appropriate.
Additional resources for ESL writers are being developed by Judy Oster in the English department. Some key points to keep in mind:
- > Some non-native speakers may be reluctant to speak up in class. Small-group exercises or pairwork may help such students build their confidence and prepare them to engage in discussions involving the entire seminar.
- > Non-native speakers may need additional time and support to complete difficult reading assignments. Consider holding informal conferences with a student (or group of students) to check for reading comprehension.
- > ESL writers may need more time to complete in-class writing assignments (like “free writing”).
- > When we respond to papers by non-native speakers, it is especially useful to help the students identify patterns in their writing, instead of marking what may seem a multitude of random errors. Consider having the student keep a list of recurring errors and review it before turning in each paper.
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Sample Materials
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Additional Resources
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