WELCOME to my web page. This site was created to provide support to teachers and tutors who wish to be effective in helping second language learners of English (ESL learners) to become literate (listening, speaking, reading and writing) for different purposes.
The main goal is to provide you with the theory related to second language acquisition, the knowledge of the areas that are critical to teaching second language learners, and the steps to follow in order to help them succeed in school. Among the content covered are tips and strategies on getting information about your students' backgrounds, assessing them, building rapport, and using effective instructional methods to meet the learners' individual, linguistic, and cultural needs. This site also offers a variety of lessons, activities, references, and links to other useful sites on cultural understanding and specific cultures, and on research, theory, and practice of teaching English as a second Language (ESL).
The greatest challenge in developing a resource such as this website, is disseminating knowledge while avoiding building stereotypes about different cultures and individual people, or communicating that there are "formulas" or "one size fits all" and activities or lessons that will work with every ESL student...
Hopefully, the information included here will help
you take into consideration the multiple factors that may come
into play when teaching culturally and linguistically students.
The idea is that that you feel more knowledgeable and comfortable
the first day you know you will be working with these students in your classroom or tutor them one-on-one
or in small groups. If you know what to do and are prepared, it
is more likely that embarking on such a unique experience will
be more gratifying to you, your students, and their families.
Many teachers and tutors have witnessed the enthusiasm, effort and desire that most of our second language students have, not only to "make it" but also to achieve in school
As a second language learner myself, I will never forget and will always cherish those who spent little or much time helping me learning how to speak, read or write. Those friends who spent countless hours with me on assignments; those teachers who found ways for me to show my talents without me having to say a word; those who encouraged and laughed with me when I did not understand; and those mentors who opened many doors I thought were closed to someone who didn't speak English. To all these wonderful"Americans" who nurtured me and helped me succeed, and to my colleagues at USD who supported me in being able to make this project a reality, I dedicate this website.
