Programs – English as a Second Language
Support for refugees – Supportive classroom environment
This page details publications, documents, resources and programs that provide classroom strategies to cater for refugee learners with disrupted schooling. Some students have had very little or no access to formal education as a consequence of their refugee experience. These students will have limited literacy skills in their first language and knowledge gaps across the curriculum.
Print publications and documents
The Refugee Handbook (http://www.minedu.govt.nz) (New Zealand Ministry of Education). Section 3 includes a range of strategies for assisting students to ‘learn how to learn’.
ESL Teacher Support Materials (A1, BL and SL stages) (http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/curriculumatwork/esl/es_stages.htm) and
Making a difference – Literacy development program for middle years students (http://www.curriculumpress.edu.au/main/goproduct/11695) outline pre-teaching strategies that can help prepare students for the classroom.
What is the distinctive knowledge and expertise of the ESL specialist? (Word - 92Kb) is a document to help plan programs to meet the needs of ESL students.
School's In for Refugees (http://www.survivorsvic.org.au/publications.php). The emotional needs of some students may be a block to effective learning and students may demonstrate difficulties in concentrating. This publication has a section on p.34 outlining strategies to overcome blocks to learning.
The Languages and Multicultural Resources Centre (LMERC) offers a wide range of ESL, anti-racism, human rights, citizenship, peace and multicultural education materials. The collection includes books and audio resources, videos, CD-ROMs and posters. Access the LMERC library collection and resource list and the LMERC Online Catalogue for a list of culturally inclusive texts.
First Language Assessment Materials and the assessment advice (http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/curriculumatwork/esl/es_assess.htm) are tools useful for sociolinguistic profiling that can identify gaps in students' learning and knowledge.
DVD and video
Moving in new directions and ESL Learners in Middle Years videos provide strategies for meeting the needs of students with disrupted schooling.
Programs and professional development
Consider developing a bridging program (Word - 324Kb) (http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/lem/esl/esl_lit.htm) to support students in their transition from intensive new arrival courses to mainstream schools. Dedicated classes for students with backgrounds of disrupted schooling can provide a supported environment for intensive literacy teaching. These classes build concept knowledge and develop study skills while enabling students to participate in the life of the school.
Collaborate with neighbouring schools and English Language Schools and Centres or establish professional learning teams. These are powerful ways to share expertise and strategies.
Make use of professional development opportunities to increase and update skills in supporting this group of students.