Perspective of an ESL educationist
by Avgi-Dawn Christakis
Professor Richard Norwood is an ESL educationist in Cape Cod Community College. He is teaching students who do not speak English as their first language. He concentrates on providing the English Language Learners (ELL) with the formal academic vocabulary and grammar needed at the university level. As a professor of ESL, he focuses on pronunciation of spoken and written English, as well as building confidence in students ability to communicate clearly and easily with native English speakers. The ESL program is pivotal in providing opportunities for individuals such as international students and refugees wanting to study at American universities.
- Why did you choose ESL education?
I have always felt an affinity for people from other cultures and have had a love of and facility with languages, so it seemed like a good fit. - What do you like most about teaching?
I like sharing knowledge and helping people develop needed skills. I enjoy taking care of and supporting people. - What’s the most difficult thing as an ESL teacher?
It’s difficult to assess students’ progress and to be sure all the materials and activities are appropriate and helpful all the time. - How do you motivate your students?
I don’t know. If I do, it is an unconscious part of my approach and methodologies. - Do you speak any other language and if yes what is it?
I can understand and speak French and German. I can understand a lot of Spanish and Portuguese and some Russian. - What qualities do you feel an educator should have to teach ESL?
Patience and persistence. - And lastly, can you describe your biggest success in working with ESL students
I really can’t. I think in life we don’t always see our successes. We do our best to help others, but often any positive influence we have had ripens away from us, and we never know of it. When students have gone on to continue in the mainstream classes and achieve their academic goals, it seems as if our ESL classes have contributed something to their success. Our success is found in theirs.
Categories: Professors, People