Classrooms are becoming linguistically, culturally and ethnically more diverse than ever. This provides teachers with a lot of new opportunities but also creates some new challenges. The key to effective communication lies in the successful expression of one's intended meaning; however, the linguistic choices that non-native English speakers make are not only influenced by their knowledge of syntax or forms of the target language, but they are also affected by their home culture. Cultural and pragmatic differences can result in negative transfer and English Language Learners (ELLs) encounter difficulties in utilizing the English language in a way that is socially appropriate to the situation. It is crucial to support culturally and linguistically diverse students in mainstream classrooms. However, to support students, it is imperative to support mainstream teachers. Preparing and supporting mainstream teachers to work with culturally and linguistically diverse learners is a growing concern in education, since more and more schools host increasing numbers of students whose primary language is not English. The aim of this session is to provide both college instructors and administrators with strategies that will allow them to understand and support their culturally and linguistically diverse students.

Authors:
Meral Muyesser, Rowan College at Burlington County, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Meral Muyesser is an Associate Professor of ESL and the ESL Program Chair at Rowan College at Burlington County, USA. Her research interests include Teaching and Learning Pragmatics, Culture and Languages, and Multicultural Classrooms.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meral-muyesser-7134b1153/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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