Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Ma-TESOL; M.S. SpEd English’s growing dominance as the global language of trade and social interaction has made it an increasingly important tool for non-native speakers the world over. However, while English can open doors in employment and education, new studies have also shown that studying a second language like English can also increase mental faculties and stave off diseases like Alzheimer’s. Studies were conducted on Indian patients diagnosed with dementia, and on average, patients who spoke multiple languages began developing Alzheimer’s symptoms 4.5 years ..read more

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Ma-TESOL; M.S. SpEd Even as English language learners (ELL) take classes designed to build their competence and confidence when speaking English, they may be in need of additional support when class is not in session. English language learners often turn to a tutor for one-on-one assistance, which often allows for unique and effective teaching methods not commonly found in ESL classrooms. Here are three tutoring tips that can be used outside of the classroom that are sure to accelerate language proficiency for English language learners: Grammar Notebooks – ELLs may ..read more

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Ma-TESOL; M.S. SpEd Learning English can be difficult for students with just cultural barriers, but new information discovered in the last year by Swedish scientists suggests that for some language learners there may be physiological barriers between them and language learning. The Swedish scientists used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the physiology of the brain in response to new languages. Military recruits were asked to study Arabic, Russian, or Dari extensively, while a control group was asked to study intensively anything but languages. MRI’s aft ..read more

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Ma-TESOL; M.S. SpEd One of the most rewarding and satisfying jobs in teaching is in helping students learn the English language. Once these children have the ability to speak and understand English, the doors to success in all other subjects are open to them. Until they achieve mastery of English, many students have a difficult time with the entire school experience. Teachers who are working with students to learn English can do a number of things to make the process smoother and help students transition quicker. Teach entirely in English: Teachers who speak the la ..read more

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Ma-TESOL; M.S. SpEd Instructors that teach English as a Second Language (ESL) courses can contribute to the student’s success not only in language but in life. English Language Learners (ELL) are considered to have greater challenges in social-emotional situations than those of their peers. This is thought to be caused by the fact that these students do not yet possess the language skills necessary to express concerns within their learning environment and can often feel intimidated and cut-off. Low self-esteem can also arise due to their inability to participate in ..read more

Published by Jamie Bond Beginning in 1999, blogging became a route for individuals with a devotion to writing to share their talent. Blogging gives the author the ability to channel their thoughts in a manner that can be useful and enjoyable to readers.  Nurses encounter many learning situations which may be helpful to fellow nurses.  Blogs give the writer a means to share these experiences and readers a chance to learn and relate to others in a virtual setting.  In nursing, blogs serve multiple purposes including engaging fellow nurses in educational opportunities, network ..read more

I once heard that capturing the attention of a classroom full of grade schoolers is like herding cats. As any elementary school teacher will attest, motivating students at this age takes equal parts creativity and enthusiasm, along with a solid game plan. Add to that grade schoolers who may also be anxious, shy, and lack self-confidence—traits common among ESL learners. How will you hold their attention and motivate them to participate in the learning process? We’ve assembled some of the top ways to bring enthusiasm and excitement into your ESL classroom, so you can be sure your students are i ..read more

There are few people in the United States who work as closely and as regularly with immigrants as the nation’s ESL teachers. Whether interacting directly with children from outside the country or with their parents, ESL educators probably have more first-hand experience with the realities of immigration—both legal and illegal—than do many of the politicians seeking to regulate it. But politicians make the laws, not teachers, and with the election of President Donald Trump, a sea change in the country’s immigration policy is on the way. The Trump administration’s stated policies will result in ..read more

The U.S. Department of Education has designed a grant program intended to help address the shortage of English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in Michigan, with Aquinas College in Grand Rapids selected as the recipient of a five-year, $2.5 million grant. Partner school systems set to receive a chunk of this partnership grant include the Grand Rapids Public Schools, Kellogsville Public Schools, Kentwood Public Schools, Kent Intermediate School District, Wyoming Public Schools, the Diocese of Grand Rapids Office of Catholic Schools, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, and Godwin Heights Public Schoo ..read more

Churches in the South have long served as forces of cultural change in their communities. Church members were pivotal in the civil rights movements of the 1960s. Current efforts frequently involve integrating refugees and immigrants into the community. One way to do this is to teach them English, so many people serve as ESL volunteers. One such course takes place in Pelham, Alabama each summer at the local Baptist Church. The Shelby Baptist Association offers a two-day course in teaching ESL at the First Baptist Church. The church offered its most recent course in August 2016. While the certif ..read more