Introduction to Teaching Refugee Students
Description
Developing an engaging learning experience for refugee students should move beyond traditional ESL classrooms or newcomer centers. This module proposes how mainstream teachers can be involved in the rewarding responsibility to create inclusive classrooms for Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE). The module will provide background to the refugee resettlement process and potential social and emotional consideration factors. Teachers will learn how to apply introductory instructional strategies and supports for working with refugee students that can be used for all content areas.
Topics
Competencies
Knowledge
Skills
Mindset
There is a belief that refugee students are to learn from newcomer centers or be placed in ESL classrooms. The reality is that refugees will be exposed to mainstream classrooms and the larger schooling environment. Therefore, it is important to provide a shift in mindset that all teachers need to be prepared to work with refugee students. Teachers will become aware of the importance to identify historical and sociopolitical needs that refugee students experienced and how to support their transition and English instruction.
- What should a novice teacher know about SLIFE? (e.g. trauma, social/emotional needs, resettlement process).
- What are potential teacher-inquiry questions to ask when reading a country profile to help facilitate a lesson? (In other words, how can a teacher read a country profile but use this information for classroom instruction.)
- What are instructional strategies that can be used immediately for all newcomers regardless of content areas.
Competencies
Knowledge
- Distinguish between the terms refugee, English learner, and SLIFE.
- Identify the resettlement process for refugees to the United States and its implications for schools.
- Describe potential social and emotional factors to consider when transitioning refugees into mainstream classrooms.
Skills
- Determine key information to document when creating a student and country profile that includes resettlement data, life in refugee camps, cultural tips, and potential adjustment considerations.
- Select and apply newcomer instructional strategies for reading, writing, and speaking using language functions and relevant supports.
Mindset
There is a belief that refugee students are to learn from newcomer centers or be placed in ESL classrooms. The reality is that refugees will be exposed to mainstream classrooms and the larger schooling environment. Therefore, it is important to provide a shift in mindset that all teachers need to be prepared to work with refugee students. Teachers will become aware of the importance to identify historical and sociopolitical needs that refugee students experienced and how to support their transition and English instruction.