As summer comes to an end, I thought it would be nice to hear an English learners' perspective on what it is like to be a new student in high school. In today's episode, I interview a former student of mine, Maja Pastuszka, about her experience coming to the United States from Poland and what it was like for her to be a new student and English learner simultaneously.

She explains some of the challenges she had to overcome while learning English, the things her teachers did to support her, and some things teachers did that were not so supportive. Maja also gives us insight on some of the cultural differences between attending high school in Poland and in the United States from her English learner's perspective. She explains several aspects of the new culture that she had to adjust to and how even minor cultural differences can be difficult to navigate.

What you will hear from an English Learner’s Perspective

What it feels like to be an English Learner and a new high school student in the United States
Cultural differences that English Learners have to navigate
Some challenges of feeling confident speaking from the perspective of an English Learner
Things teachers did that were supportive and not so supportive

Resources

As mentioned in the episode, I am linking some useful resources!

The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join.
25 Authentic Speaking Activities for Your ESL Classroom
Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store
Teachable Platform - Courses and Workshops
Follow me on Instagram
Join the Simply Ieva Facebook Group

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32. From new student to future doctor - an English learner's perspective with Maja Pastuszka 41:07 Share

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32. From new student to future doctor - an English learner's perspective with Maja Pastuszka