Overcoming the Language Barrier

1. By Kendra Lind EDU 220 Overcoming the Language Barrier

2. The classroom melting pot According to “Foundations of American Education,” nearly 50 million U.S. residents speak a language other than English at home. When communication barriers occur in the classroom, it can make a teacher feel helpless and lost. How can we solve this dilemma and help these students get the education they deserve?

3. A teacher should make her class feel comfortable, but when there is a communication problem, this can be hard. A teacher can solve this problem by bringing in a translator for the students that cannot speak English. Schools should put students who do not speak English in special classes that help those students learn English, while learning their subjects in their native language. A teacher should try to become proficient in speaking other languages, for the benefit of her class. A teacher should aim at becoming bilingual, especially in today's society. How to Overcome the barrier

4. A bilingual brain boosts brain power! Any communication barriers in the classroom will disappear Bilingual teachers earn a higher salary Bilinguals are better problem solvers, and outperform monolinguals. There are no disadvantages. Advantages of being bilingual and Bicultural

5. This is not valued in a school setting, because many school officials believe students should all speak English in American schools. They want to encourage students to learn English, rather than force teachers to accommodate them. Why is being bilingual overlooked?

6. A teacher should show school officials just how beneficial being bilingual is! Most attitudes toward bilingualism is due to ignorance on the subject. A teacher must inform and educate! Changing the attitude!