Celebrating Differences And Unlocking Potential: A Guide To Inclusive ESL Teaching

19th April 2024

Learning a new language for non-native-speaking students can be daunting. Every language learner can have their own learning and grasping pace which can make the ESL teacher’s task difficult to cope with them.

However, you can cater to every ESL learner's needs in the classroom by creating an inclusive environment. This inclusive approach will not only help students with special needs to learn the English language but also help every general student with different learning needs as well.

If you are also looking for creative ways to create an inclusive language-learning environment for your diverse ESL students, then we have got you covered.

In this blog post, we will be exploring some of the creative and practical strategies to create an ESL learning environment that celebrates diversity and unlocks the potential of every non-native ESL student.

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So, without any further delay, let’s get started.

What is Inclusive Classroom?

A student can face difficulties in their learning journey if they come from-
 

• Have special needs or abilities
• Learning English as a foreign or second language
• Comes from a lower or minor class background
• Comes from a low-income family background

To help students feel included and equal, every ESL teacher must strive to create an inclusive ESL classroom.

Inclusive Classroom is an environment that supports every student, regardless of their learning barriers or special individual needs. In an inclusive classroom, teachers and other school staff provide equal opportunities and learning access to every student.

6 Creative and Effective Strategies To Create an Inclusive Classroom Environment

Let’s get to know some of the effective strategies to support students from every background:

1. Create Inclusive-Based Curriculum

While you are creating a curriculum, always craft it in such a way that includes students with different backgrounds, and remember to use lots of real-life examples.

You can consider adding topics like-
 

• Different religious backgrounds history
• Race Issues
• Social Justice Topics, etc.

Whenever you’re discussing any topic or subject, always use examples with which students from different backgrounds can connect.

The inclusive-based curriculum will also give you the opportunity to discuss different past historical events. You can take advantage of this and discuss sensitive historical topics with students to make them feel included.

2. Use Inclusive Language

Every teacher has their own way of expressing and talking in the English language. Make sure you use inclusive language so that students can easily comprehend it. Always model your inclusive language like idioms, and pronouns according to students’ understanding, and always avoid using any outdated and offensive terms.

Additionally, if you find any of your ESL students use any offensive terms then address them immediately.

3. Create Class Discipline Rules

To create a respected and safe environment for every ESL student. You can create short and simple rules which easy to follow for every student. Such as-
 

• Not to be rude to anyone
• Not to show any aggressive behaviour
• No violence allowed
• Never use any foul or hateful language
• Always treat each other with respect

However, sometimes there might be a case where students are not following the rules and discipline. So, make sure, there will be consequences if they do not follow those rules. Such as-

If any students misbehave with other students, then at first you give a stern look or verbal warning and if they continue their bad behaviour then they have to meet you after the class.

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4. Create Space To Practice Empathy

Just by stating to them that they have to treat each other respectfully can’t bear the fruitful result. However, if you create a space where every one of your ESL students gets the opportunity to practice empathy by engaging with each other will help to respect each other. They become more empathetic by spending time with each other.

5. Craft Global Competence Curriculum

One of the best ways to create a culturally inclusive classroom is by including global learning. A global-based curriculum will help students learn different perspectives, respect other cultures, and encourage them to take action to make the world a better place.

6. Stop Making Stereotypical Assumptions

As a responsible ESL teacher, you must refrain from making any assumptions about students based on any stereotypes and you must educate your class students as well.

For example- There’s a stereotype that those individuals who have special abilities can’t comprehend anything and people think they are dumb.

Now, as a responsible ESL teacher, it’s your responsibility to not have any presumptions and also teach students to accept and understand that children with special needs have different kinds of abilities than general students, that’s what makes them special.

Educating Yourself & Your ESL Students is The Key To Creating Inclusive Classroom

As a responsible ESL teacher, you must unlearn any biases towards any particular background, negative assumptions, and habits. At the same time, you need to teach your ESL students as well to create an inclusive ESL classroom environment. On top of it, apply all the above-mentioned effective strategies to create a perfect inclusive ESL classroom environment.

If you want to learn more handy and effective strategies to support your ESL students in their learning journey, then consider pursuing courses like Online and Live Online TEFL Programs in Vietnam, where you will get support from top expert trainers who will also help you to become an effective ESL teacher in the TEFL teaching industry.

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Written By : Abhishek

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