teaching English as a second language for Indigenous students.

[megsaw]

Hi,

Wondered if any one has any lessons or advice for teaching English as a second language for Indigenous students. In my workshops we do a lot on overseas students but we have not touched on Indigenous students. I ask because for placement next year I have put in for outback areas.

Regards Megsaw

[gfell]

Oh, so you want to teach indigenous students? That's a big change from teaching Asians.

I too was fortunate to teach a group of local Aborigines in Redfern, Sydney some years ago, and it was an interesting experience for sure. I suggest you first learn a bit about their culture and art / way of life. If you can start off your lesson by showing a keen interest in their background, they will try that much harder to be good students.

Use the opportunity to have them also teach you about their way of life. They will love to tell you about their stories and leads to respect/trust being built between you and them.

Getting the students to present to the class in groups about a part of their culture would be a great idea. It builds teamwork, and makes the classes a lot more fun for them. Try not to only teach them English, but also etiquette and manner. Eg: "How to handle telephone calls", "Working in the office - Do's and Don'ts", and so on.

Good luck and have lots of fun!

[hyperbizarre]

I was recommended the book 'Learner's English' (Swan & Smith, 2001). It describes the sort of mistakes students of a certain nationality will have with English.

I'm not too sure about Indigenous students, but have a check on Amazon and see which nationalities it might cover.

Good luck!