The Language of Science: Teaching to an ESL Class
What happens when three presenters who speak Russian, Portuguese, and Japanese teach Spanish speaking students about natural selection? Science ensues! Teaching science can be hard, teaching science to a class that doesn’t speak the same language as you can be even harder. Here are some tips for teaching science to ESL (English as a Second Language) students.
What happens when three presenters who speak Russian, Portuguese, and Japanese teach Spanish speaking students about natural selection? Science ensues! Teaching science can be hard, teaching science to a class that doesn’t speak the same language as you can be even harder. Here are some tips for teaching science to ESL (English as a Second Language) students:
1. Ask the teacher before you come to the class
The teachers already know their students well enough to give you an idea of their language level. The teacher may even be able to speak the same language as the students. If this is the case, getting all of the information before you go to the classroom can make your presentation much more enjoyable!
2. Translate key words
After asking the teacher what languages are spoken in the class, see if there is anyone close to you who speaks the same language. They might know a more colloquial way of presenting science terms since most science terms aren’t used every day. You can also try using a translating website to figure out the key terms. Make sure to write them down and ask the teacher if there is a whiteboard or poster you can use when you arrive.
3. Use visuals
After having taught English in Japan, I can tell you that visuals are going to be your best friend! Printing out visual representations of key terms will help students understand the concept much easier. If you want, you can laminate them to use over and over again. Using models, videos, songs, dances and even reading picture books will make your lesson easier to understand.
4. Speak slower and clearer than you are used to
Although you might feel like you speak at a normal pace now, try slowing down a little in front of an ESL class. Be sure to enunciate your words to avoid confusion. However, beware of sounding like a robot!
5. Adjust your expectations
Heading into a lesson, you might think that the students will be budding microbiologists by the time you leave. Unfortunately, not all of the students will understand what you’re trying to teach them and some might just not be interested in it at all. Keep in mind that even laying the groundwork about a certain subject will help the teacher and students tremendously as they learn more. Just learning the basics will be incredibly helpful!
Although it might seem daunting, teaching science to an ESL class is incredibly rewarding. By preparing before going into the classroom and being flexible while teaching, you will find that it is no different than any other class. In the end, science and engineering really are the same in every language!