Supporting Resistant Language Learners

Some students have a stronger affective barrier to language learning than others, and seem to have no interest in language learning, whatsoever.

For a language teacher in the U.S., this is a real challenge, because world language learning is not considered to be high stakes subject matter, therefore, the resistant language learners are given license to care even less than they already did.

We, as language teachers, know how beneficial language learning is. We love our content area and we wish our students could see the value in it. So, Is there an effective way to support resistant language learners?

Yes, there is. Within this PDF are things that have worked for me, bringing more peace, respect, and motivation to my classroom.

If you are flexible in your teaching methods and are willing to give these ideas a real chance, I am confident you will see better engagement.

It is best to start out the year using these tips, but even in April and May you can make a difference for these students. Remember that if a student goes on summer break with a better feeling about language learning, they will have a better mindset when they return in the fall.