Classroom+Factors

= Classroom Factors that Influence Second Language Acquisition = So many factors influence education - from a set of identifiable rules to where the pencil sharpener is placed. The following factors influence second language acquisition.


 * Classroom Climate** - An inviting classroom climate is critical for all students, but it is especially critical for ESL students. Some students may not be able to experience you or your classroom verbally; therefore, the classroom climate may be your first impression.
 * Is your classroom intentionally inviting?
 * Do your students feel safe?
 * Do you create a climate where students are willing to interact with you and other students?




 * Personality Traits and Learning Styles** - Personality traits and learning styles are varied in our classrooms. It is important to identify these traits/styles and use them to our benefit.
 * Do you recognize the personality traits of your students?
 * Do you utilize these unique personality traits in beneficial ways when grouping students?
 * Do you teach with learning styles in mind?


 * Shock** - Cultural and language shock is very real to ESL students. Cultural shock occurs when students experience situations that are different from the cultural norms with which they identify. Language shock occurs when students are unable to effectively communicate in the second language. This causes frustration from communication barriers.
 * Do you make cultural transitions easy for ESL students?
 * Do you recognize the cultural differences that the students are perceiving?
 * Do you validate and soothe feelings of frustration caused by cultural or language shock?

**References for Regular Education Teachers** BrainPop ESL - This website offers videos for ESL students. Most importantly, this website is usually considered cool by the students. Therefore, this resource is an absolute must for any teacher with struggling ESL students!

The following websites are personality and learning style inventories:
 * 41 Questions: 1 Personality - Personality Inventory
 * True Colors - Personality Inventory
 * Kiersey Temperament Scorer - Personality Inventory
 * North Carolina State University - Index of Learning Style - Learning Style Inventory

**Handout** The following handout is designed for faculty at North Parkway Middle School; however, it can be modified for other areas.

To view - PDF: To edit - Pages:


 * Bad News - I cannot export this document as a Microsoft Word; therefore, if you want to edit this handout for your own use, you will need Pages, or (unfortunately) you will have to use the PDF version as an example to type your own. **

Mr. Hooper 1234 Exciting ESL Way Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 123-4567 mrhooper@bis.edu