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TEACHING ESL - BACKGROUND INFORMATION QUESTIONS
Language Proficiency
- What language(s) are spoken at home?
- What is the primary language of the student? Or, In what language does the student function best?
- What is the level of proficiency in the primary language? (for example, how well can my student(s) understand, speak, read and write in Sapnish or Chinese).
Educational Background
- Has the student attended school before in his home country? At what level?
- Did he learn how to read and write in his native language?
- Has the student attended school before in the U.S.? How long? At what grade level?
- Has the child received or is receiving additional supplementary educational services? (for example is he/she a "special education student")
Geographical Background- Immigrant, Refugee, or Native-born?
- What is the country of origin? Specific region?
- How long has the student been in the U.S. or was he/she born here?
- Did the family belong to a specific tribe with unique characteristics?
- What are the circumstances of immigration? (For example, was immigration to the United States by choice or was forced by war, political or religious persecution? Was danger or trauma experienced as a part of immigration? Did the student live in a refugee camp?
Culture(s) in the country of origin
- What is/are the dominant cultural backgrounds of the student / family?
- What languages does the child speak? What is the dominant language?
- What are the basic beliefs concerning education (attendance, roles and responsibilities of the teachers, students and parents)?
- What are the basic beliefs concerning family, friends, conflict resolution, religious beliefs, etc.?. What are some of these beliefs or customs that may contradict or be in conflict with beliefs and customs in schools in the U.S.?
- What are the major important days of celebration?
- What are cultural sports, games or traditions?
Family Situation
- Who lives with the student? Do they have family in the U.S,? Who are the members of the student family? Are the parents alive, together, separated? (Are the parents living with their children? Are the siblings together / separated? Are their other family members /grandparents/ uncles/ unts/ friends living in the home?)
- Does anyone in the home speak English and can help with schoolwork?
- What is the educational level of family members?
- Is the family in the United States permanently / temporarily?
- Is the family aware of available community resources and services in their home language / culture?
Personal Interests / Abilities / Health
- What are the student’s special interests, abilities and talents?
- Are there any physical or health conditions that influence learning or instruction (i.e. vision, hearing, food allergies, etc.)?
- Is the child introverted/extroverted in school? What about at home? On the playground?
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