Week 12

"Reexamining English Only in the ESL Classroom"

Elsa Roberts Auerbach

This is a very good article. I was not surprised to learn that rules were put in place in the United States for an English only movement. Also, that English was associated with being an American, is something I had heard before. In the 1920's when Goldberger introduced survival English, the classes were strictly English only. I think this reflects the other article for this week, "The Hidden Curriculum of Survival ESL", and can be questioned as a valid way to teach English. I do not think it is fair that only citizens were able to be teachers of ESL. Teachers from other countries are just as easily qualified. I think all of this is what the author is trying to say about how the idea of an English only classroom came to be. The idea that English will be more effective with total immersion is a valid idea, but I think some things can be more easily taught with the help of the L1.

The author explores the use of L1 through beginning levels, and shows how students are more likely to participate and take a language course if they can use their L1. This is very important for immigrants coming to America, or other countries, in order to learn a language I think you have to be comfortable in the learning environment. If this means being able to speak your L1, if you absolutely have to, then so be it. The author then goes on to talk about the use of the L1 after the first stages of language learning. She talks about how writing first in the students L1 and then translating the writing into the L2 could be beneficial. In cases where this was studied there were little differences in this writing style compared to completely in L1. The author also talks about the teaching of adults and through the use of their L1 they can tell the teacher exactly what their goals are in learning the language. Again this is similar to the other article for the week in the critical thinking aspect. It is important to respect adult students and know what it is they want to learn, not treat them like children. The author also mentions that most studies on the use of L1 in the classroom are based in other countries, not America. This points to the beginning argument of English only in the classroom and the American way. As a whole she says that this is a political issue.

The next issue the author addresses is who should teach and what qualifies a teacher. The idea is brought back from last week that a native speaker is the best teacher. The question is asked though, should we know the language of our students? The author suggests that a non native speaker may be a better teacher, since they share the experience of coming to a new country and learning the same things.

I think the authors entire point is very valid. We need to explore what resources we could use as ESL teachers and what makes a qualified teacher. We need to change with the times and let go of the old stand bys. This is a very good point and could potentially help many teachers learn from how they are teaching and explore new ways in the classroom.