Truism

Question: How can teachers deal with the diversity in every classroom?

Answer: “There is a wide range of abilities and needs in every classroom in every school. For this reason, no single method, strategy, or approach is appropriate for every learner or teacher.” P. 67.

Comment: One school district I am aware of asked teachers to use three or four methods consecutively in the same class period. I think that’s asking too much  of the teacher. On the other hand, teachers could try several different methods—in pre-writing, for example: brainstorming, free-writing, outlining—at different times and give students the opportunity to try them to decide which method works best in which situations.

We’re about one-third through this anthology of articles on teaching ESL students, and have yet to find a solid technique to try with ESL students. I’m beginning to doubt whether the editors will produce the practical techniques promised at the beginning of the book. RayS.

Title: Kids Come in All Languages: Reading Instruction for ESL Students. Eds. K Spangensberg-Urgschat and R Pritchard. Newark, DE: IRA. 1994.