results vs. teaching to the average or below.
See, of course it is fundamental to teach kids to speak English here in the U.S. – that is a no-brainer. But it is even more crucial to help adults learn English – and soon! English Language Learners – not just Hispanics, but other cultures as well – are by far the fastest-growing groups in the country. And they are a significant number of those who are looking for work or working in low-skill jobs as well. We need them to be, if not completely fluent, then at the very least proficient and business-functional in English to significantly contribute to our growth as a nation.
Courses must be intensive, English-only, incorporate workplace-relevant terminology, and – maybe most important – must include skits, role plays and other means to require the students to stand up and speak English every class. Because learning another language is as much about self-confidence as it is the language itself. Once we accept these high expectations and demand they be built into all adult ESL courses, the results will speak for themselves in a positive way.
John Mierzwa is an owner of CALA Academy – http://www.CalaAcademy.com – a Spanish and English language school in Las Vegas, with an emphasis on intercultural communication. He passionately believes that with increased multi-lingualism, people will become more successful, more neighborly, and more involved in their community.
John worked in the construction industry for over 20 years, most of that time helping to run one of the largest construction companies in Nevada. John oversaw revenue growth from million to 8 million annually as Vice President of Sales and Operations. He has witnessed firsthand the rapid growth of the Spanish-speaking workforce in Las Vegas and the pressing need for more effective ways to communicate. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.
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