Fall ESL Student Orientation...........................3
Interesting Article: Learning a Second Language 'Slows Brain Ageing'........................4
Employee Spotlight.............5
Upcoming Events.................6
Student Voice......................7
Tell Me a Story!.................8-9
Financial Aid Useful Information..........................10
Fun Fact!-Common Myths about ESL and Second Language Acquisition
Keep Speaking Both Languages!
Myth #1: ESL students should stop speaking their native language and concentrate on speaking English.
Fact: Full proficiency in the native language facilitates second language development and academic achievement is significantly enhanced when ESL students are able to use their native languages to learn in school (TESOL,1999). Collier (1989) found that second language students who achieved the greatest academic success were enrolled in bilingual programs that provided solid cognitive academic instruction in both the first and second language. Baker (1995) also notes that to deny the native language of an individual is to deny that person's existence. Source: Robinson, R, Keoqh, B. & Kusuma-Powell. Chapter 6: Who Are ESL Students?