I am new to the English Language Discussion List and perhaps I should
introduce myself.   I have been teaching adult ESL literacy level adult
ESL for twenty years and I have seen the bilingual focus in the
classroom rise, fall, rise and fall again.   I would have to agree that
there are times in class when it is easier for the students and for me
to speak Spanish.   However, in Arlington, Virginia we have students
from many different language backgrounds.   


>From time to time I have spoken Spanish in class.    New vocabulary pops

up during a lesson.  I think it can be handled in such a way that
non-Spanish speaking students don't feel slighted.   I often ask
students for the word in their language and sometimes we all try to
pronounce it together.    Unfortunately, I have seen several incidents
of Spanish 'exclusivity' generate a raw environment in my classroom.
Majority rules has never been worth sacrificing the class community or
the individual.

Finally, I have to ask myself when and why I need to speak a second
language in class.
It is usually a matter of convenience to me because I am working under a
time constraint.
Do I stop students from speaking their native language when they are
explaining concepts to one another during class?   Usually not, but that
can't continue very long because it disrupts the flow of the lesson.

In twenty years, I have never had a literacy-level student thank me for
speaking their language in class.  But many have thanked me for speaking
English and nudging them in the direction of using their own English.


This is a great discussion.  I look forward to hearing some more
techniques for using  native languages effectively or other alternatives
that work for you in the classroom.

Sharon McKay
ESL Specialist,  CAELA
Center for Adult English 
  Language Acquisition
4646 40th Street, NW
Washington, DC  20016-1859
(202) 362-0700  ext. 584
smckay at cal.org



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