Language Diversity and Student Success

Diverse students in education are not unusual these days as more and more families are migrating between cities, states, provinces, and countries. Students who speak English (ESL) as their second language; also have different cultural attitudes, behavior, and gestures interpreted differently. Students who speak another language besides English at home and ESL represents about 25% of the students in educational profile analysis. It is important to value all students regardless of cultural background, origins, language, race, religion, and gender and implement learning programs to help them be successful.

How can we help ESL students in their studies? Students who speak another language besides English at home could complete a survey. The survey would help determine the students’ needs to help improve their learning. The other countries teach and instruct differently; for example, in India, they do not write multiple drafts. Excellent communication on structure, learning activities, and course outcomes may be beneficial to the ESL student. Students who struggle with the English language does not mean they are ignorant or do not understand; they may need time to interpret and comprehend the assignment. Language diversity will continue to grow in education, and effective remediation plans for ESL students must be welcome for all.