Barriers for EAL learners can be felt by both students and their teachers.

December 7, 2022 |
This blog looks at what barriers to learning can be faced by students, but also those that can be felt by teachers too.

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English has become a global language, and the ability to speak it is an asset that can provide individuals with numerous advantages in today’s world. This has made it increasingly popular for children to learn English as an additional language. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of children learning English as an additional language and discuss some of the challenges that they may face. According to the Department for Education in the UK, as of January 2021, there were 1,639,265 pupils in state-funded primary and secondary schools in England whose first language was not English. This represents 21.6% of the total school population which is a huge number. The number of EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupils has been steadily increasing over the past decade, with many schools facing the challenge of meeting the needs of a diverse student population with varying levels of English proficiency.

Having EAL (English as an Additional Language) students in class can present a range of challenges for teachers, particularly if they are not trained or experienced in teaching English language learners. Some of the challenges that teachers may face include:

  1. Language Barrier: The language barrier is one of the most significant challenges that teachers face when teaching EAL students. EAL students may struggle to understand the teacher’s instructions and the content being taught, which can make it difficult for them to participate fully in class.
  2. Cultural Differences: EAL students may come from different cultural backgrounds, which can lead to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns. Teachers may need to adapt their teaching styles and approaches to meet the needs of these students.
  3. Varying Levels of Proficiency: EAL students may have varying levels of English proficiency, with some students being more advanced than others. This can make it challenging to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of all students.
  4. Limited Prior Education: EAL students may have limited prior education in their home countries, which can make it difficult for them to keep up with the academic demands of the curriculum.
  5. Emotional and Social Needs: EAL students may experience emotional and social challenges as they navigate a new school and culture. Teachers may need to provide additional support to help these students feel welcome and comfortable in the classroom.

To overcome these challenges, teachers need to be aware of the needs of EAL students, in particular their levels of proficiency and how this might impact T&L, and implement strategies that support their language and academic development. This may include providing additional language support, adapting instruction to meet the needs of different proficiency levels, and providing a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. With the right support and strategies in place, EAL students can thrive in the classroom and achieve academic success.

The children also face challenges that can act as a barrier to learning for them, these may include:

  1. Language Barrier: One of the most significant challenges faced by children learning English as an additional language is the language barrier. They may struggle to understand the language initially, and this can make it challenging to communicate with their peers and teachers.
  2. Lack of Confidence: Children who are not confident in their language abilities may feel hesitant to speak English, which can hinder their learning process. It is essential to provide a supportive environment that encourages children to practice their English skills and build their confidence.
  3. Cultural Differences: Children from different cultures may have different expectations and attitudes towards learning. Teachers and parents must be aware of these differences and adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of each child.
  4. Limited Exposure to English: Children may not have access to enough English language resources outside of the classroom, which can limit their exposure to the language. It is essential to provide additional resources such as books, videos, and games that allow children to practice their English skills.

Building student confidence is essential when learning any new language, and English is no exception. Students who lack confidence in their language abilities may be hesitant to speak and participate in class, which can hinder their progress. To build student confidence, it is important to create a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Teachers can provide positive feedback and praise students for their efforts, regardless of their level of proficiency. They can also provide opportunities for students to practice their English skills in a non-threatening and low-stakes setting, such as through pair or group work. Another effective way to build student confidence is through the use of language games and activities that allow students to practice their English skills in a fun and interactive way. Teachers can also incorporate students’ interests and experiences into the curriculum, making the learning experience more engaging and relevant to their lives. By building student confidence and providing a supportive learning environment, teachers can help students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in learning English as an additional language.

One effective method of scaffolding learners of English is through the use of high-quality images and video clips. Visual aids can be a powerful tool for engaging learners and helping them to understand new concepts. They provide a context for the language and can help learners make connections between the words they are learning and the real world. Additionally, images and video clips can help learners to understand the nuances of English, such as idiomatic expressions, phrasal verbs, and pronunciation. Teachers can use these visual aids to model and highlight key language features, such as word stress and intonation, and to provide visual cues for vocabulary acquisition. By using high-quality images and video clips, teachers can create a rich and immersive learning environment that supports the development of English language proficiency in children.