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Anxiety, Learning Disabilties / Disorders, Second Language Learning

Are Emotional Problems Causing Foreign Language Learning Difficulties?

 Affective factors: ANXIETY ESL or EFL Teachers or professionals in this field, did you know students encountering difficulties with learning a foreign language experience high levels of anxiety? This is especially true for those with a history of foreign language learning difficulties for instance, students whose learning experience has been negative and who have suffered … Continue reading Are Emotional Problems Causing Foreign Language Learning Difficulties?

English Language Learning, ESL EFL Students, Language Learning Aptitude, Language Theories, Learning Disabilties / Disorders, Teachers

Language Aptitude: Do you have it?

There is the idea that some students may possess an 'aptitude for learning languages'. The idea of the existence of a 'language learning aptitude' does not mean an individual can or cannot learn a foreign language. It is assumed that most people, who do not have specific language disabilities, can learn a language if they … Continue reading Language Aptitude: Do you have it?

Language Learning Difficulties, Second Language Learning

Is English Preventing English Language Students From Progressing?

Language is layered and complex and for those who have specific language learning difficulties acquiring English as a second or foreign language is more challenging than we often realise. A previous post has dealt with some of the reasons why students may not be progressing as quickly as teachers may think they should. Still, before … Continue reading Is English Preventing English Language Students From Progressing?

EFL ESL Teachers / Professionals, ESL EFL Students, Language Learning Difficulties, Learning Disabilties / Disorders, Linguistic Coding Differences Hypothesis, Second Language Learning, Second Language Learning Difficulties, Struggling Students

Are First Language Difficulties Causing Second Language Learning Struggles?

If a student seems to be having difficulties with their English language studies, you may have to investigate the cause in order to provide a solution. Check whether your students had difficulties acquiring any of the language skills in their L1 and if they still have difficulties.

English Language Learning, ESL EFL Students, Language Theories, Second Language Learning, Struggling Students

Teachers: How Many Ways Can You Write The Sound /sh/?

How many ways can you represent the sound /sh/ in written form. When students seem to be struggling or progressing slowly, perhaps check the depth or transparency of the target language.

Language Learning Difficulties, Learning Disabilties / Disorders

Is Lack of Native Linguistic Proficiency Causing Second Language Struggles?

If ESL EFL students have not become fully competent in one of the language skills of their L1, it could very well be affecting the way and speed at which they will acquire their second or foreign language.

EFL ESL Teachers / Professionals, English Language Learning, ESL EFL Students, Foreign Language Learning Difficulties, Language Learning Difficulties, Language Theories, Learning Disabilties / Disorders, Writing / Orthography

Are Different Writing Systems Causing Language Learning Difficulties?

One reason why ESL and EFL students may be having difficulty learning a foreign or second language is that they rely heavily on their native language (L1) writing system and the English orthography differs greatly to their L1.  

EFL ESL Teachers / Professionals, ESL EFL Students, Foreign Language Learning Difficulties, Language Learning Difficulties, Language Theories, Learning Disabilties / Disorders, Linguistic Coding Differences Hypothesis, Second Language Learning, Second Language Learning Difficulties

Struggling Students? Four Little-Known Theories Explain Why

There are always a number of students in foreign language classes that can't seem to keep up with the pace of the other students. The following four theories may help teachers pinpoint the root of their ESL / EFL students' difficulties.

EFL ESL Teachers / Professionals, Language Learning Difficulties, Learning Disabilities Disorders Definition, Learning Disabilties / Disorders, Struggling Students, Teachers

Teachers: Struggling Students? What You Need To Know

If you have students in your classrooms who are under-performing in an unexpected way and their progress does not correspond to the amount of work and determination they are investing, it is possible they have an undiagnosed learning disability or specific learning disorder.