How have you dealt with language barriers?

[mattsmom81]

I am a new instructor and my college (LVN and CNA/HHA) seems to draw many students from the African nations...who speak very poor English.

They tend to smile and nod, and parrot what I say when I ask them if they understand, but then are unable to demonstrate learning and are doing poorly on skills and tests. I have vented my frustration to administration and they tell me they are considering a test of sorts to ensure appropriate language skills prior to admission, (they are even considering a GED) but in the meantime I have to deal with this current class of students. 5 of 14 speak poor broken English only...difficult to understand them.... and they comprehend only basic phrases (not enough to qualify for a medical program IMO)

So...any instructors in my shoes out there? How have you coped? What has worked for you? I will appreciate all responses!

One thing I have decided to do is keep a documentation log of communication problems observed with each of these students as a CYA measure, and share it with my administrators regularly.

Thanks, guys and gals for any advice you can offer!:roll

[maureeno]

I think it explains the lack of concern for your difficulty, indeed!

[salmi]

Hi guys... I'm a non-english speaker, my mother language is Arabic. I finished a 3 years Diploma in nursing in my country and I continued my study in Philly,Villanova University in RN to BSN program. I really faced difficulty in getting the Americans understand my english. I think that they are programmed to understand American English only. Sometimes I need to eat some letters to make them understand :) . My English had a little bet of Indian English cause my teachers were from India.

I had one incidence.

We were searching for Bank branch. We had difficulty in getting it so we said we will ask somebody. The first one we met was a yound lady. I asked her '' Escuse me, could you tell us where we can get X Bank branch?''

She replayed '' Oh, you can have brunch in the resturant down there''.

ok if pronunciation of branch was not correct what about ''Bank''.

We try our best to make you understand us why dont you try your best to understand us ( Non-American English speakers)?.

Think about it........

Thanks

Salmi

[salmi]

Hi guys... I'm a non-english speaker, my mother language is Arabic. I finished a 3 years Diploma in nursing in my country and I continued my study in Philly,Villanova University in RN to BSN program. I really faced difficulty in getting the Americans understand my english. I think that they are programmed to understand American English only. Sometimes I need to eat some letters to make them understand :) . My English had a little bet of Indian English cause my teachers were from India.

I had one incidence.

We were searching for Bank branch. We had difficulty in getting it so we said we will ask somebody. The first one we met was a yound lady. I asked her '' Escuse me, could you tell us where we can get X Bank branch?''

She replayed '' Oh, you can have brunch in the resturant down there''.

ok if pronunciation of branch was not correct what about ''Bank''.

We try our best to make you understand us why dont you try your best to understand us ( Non-American English speakers)?.

Think about it........

Thanks

Salmi

[jadednurse]

Originally posted by salmi

We try our best to make you understand us why dont you try your best to understand us ( Non-American English speakers)?.

Think about it........

Thanks

Salmi

I think you're missing the point. My understanding of mattsmom81's posts is that it's difficult to cover the nursing issues/curriculum when all of the students are not at the same level w/ their language skills. For those who lack effective English language skills it must be very difficult to keep up. For those who speak English fluently, it must be frustrating to have things repeated or their curriculum slowed down.

Sometimes "trying your best" just doesn't cut it. I think it's imperitive to be able to communicate effectively before you pursue a career which focuses so much on communication. As an English speaking person, I would not expect to go to another country and study a profession without first mastering the language. It wouldn't be fair to me or to the other students...not to mention the poor teacher!

Think about that...

[jadednurse]

Originally posted by salmi

We try our best to make you understand us why dont you try your best to understand us ( Non-American English speakers)?.

Think about it........

Thanks

Salmi

I think you're missing the point. My understanding of mattsmom81's posts is that it's difficult to cover the nursing issues/curriculum when all of the students are not at the same level w/ their language skills. For those who lack effective English language skills it must be very difficult to keep up. For those who speak English fluently, it must be frustrating to have things repeated or their curriculum slowed down.

Sometimes "trying your best" just doesn't cut it. I think it's imperitive to be able to communicate effectively before you pursue a career which focuses so much on communication. As an English speaking person, I would not expect to go to another country and study a profession without first mastering the language. It wouldn't be fair to me or to the other students...not to mention the poor teacher!

Think about that...