How can you support ESL learners who are refugees or have experienced trauma?

Due to denigration and, in many cases, torture, refugees have either experienced interrupted education or have never received a formal education in their home country. Shortly after arrival in the United States, many non-English-speaking adult refugees enroll in low cost community-based English as a second language (ESL) classes in order to bridge the gap in their education and to build the language skills necessary to secure employment. ESL classes provide a welcoming community within which this marginalized population can actively participate in language learning as they adjust to a new environment.

Sharing, what I learned in NASEM public Education review. A landmark lawsuit forcing New Mexico Public Schools to boost ESL funding & embrace native languages. Why? State-stereotyped Native American students as they are unlikely to join college due to poor learning outcomes, ignoring systemic barriers & a history of isolation. Court's verdict: It's not the child's fault. Schools & teachers must adapt regardless of ethnicity. Solution: 1. Increase ESL funding: Equip teachers & offer dedicated programs. 2. Embrace native languages: Teach core subjects in both English & their native tongue. ️ 3. Culturally diverse staff: Hire teachers who understand & celebrate their heritage. Impact: More equitable & effective education for ALL students.

Establish rapport by finding common ground with the student. Do you share a favorite sports team? Do both of you have cats? Are you from the same hometown? Regardless of which similarities you home in on, the first step is to find something that interests you both. Learn your students' names and make it a point to use them during the discourse. Ask students about their hobbies, outside interests, and long-term aspirations to get to know them better.

The classroom environment also affects learning. Changing physical things in the classroom, like how desks are set up or arranged, or where students can sit (on beanbags, for example), serves as classroom environment differentiation, which can also include changes to routines and habits.

Many traumatized students interpret information through a negativity amplifier. When a teacher says, "Please correct the first problem," the student might hear, "You are stupid." Or a student might report that the teacher screamed at her when the teacher was really using a calm tone, as even neutral facial expressions can be misinterpreted. Always try to adhere to situations use positive body language be happy you are being paid to provide a service a service that you chose.

Often, refugees’ cultural identities and values are positioned as inferior within the new societies they enter and may leave them feeling and experiencing critical moments of their lives (school/work) as outsiders. This leads to cultural marginalization, as they live within two cultures but aren’t fully integrated into either of them. This is an unfortunate situation to be in through no fault of their own. It hinders their progress and allows others to avoid helping when they could. Provide AI Software in the classroom.