Why did we do this?

We created this website as a support resource for all classroom teachers who have ESL students in their class but have no idea where to start. Originally this site was intended for teachers in country or isolated areas who may not have access to the resources available to teachers in city areas. However during the planning of the site and after talking with ESL teachers in Sydney, we decided that this site could be a useful reference for any teacher.

This site aims to link English language learning theory to practice in a form that can be readily accessed and used in the classroom, providing practical ideas that can be incorporated into everyday classroom learning experiences.

ESL students gradually develop and become proficient in social language through interaction with their peers and other English speakers they come into contact with. Many, however, seem to be failing academically. We hope that this site will provide some insight into why this is the case and how we, as teachers, can help ESL students to develop competence in all areas of English language use.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.

 

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This page was created by Johanna Lloyd and Miriam Shipard

October 1998