Towards an understanding of English as a second language (ESL) and learning difficulties (LD) in an international school setting
View/ Open
Date
2007Author
Cohen-Machikawa, Efrat
Metadata
Abstract
This dissertation examined the educational professional literature
pertaining to identifying learning difficulties (LD) in students of English as a
Second Language (ESL) in the international school (IS) settings. By examining
the literature it became evident that educators are offered any number of
suggestions for each of these variables in isolation but there is limited evidence
at this present time of a knowledge base which combines all three fields of this
study – ESL, LD and International School population. What is required is an
approach specific to this single combination ESL-LD-IS.
This dissertation argues for the development of a longitudinal student
portfolio for greater understanding of international school student population.
Furthermore, an exploration that includes the practical steps necessary for
standardizing such an approach is recommended highly especially given global
migratory movements and the increasing linguistic and cultural diversity in all
school populations.