How can I identify adult English language learners who might have learning disabilities?
Identifying adult language learners who might have learning disabilities is a complex task. Before labeling or testing an adult ESL learner, teachers should look for other reasons for lack of expected progress. For instance, refugees or other immigrants might have experienced stress or trauma that cause difficulty in concentration or memory. Both Mental Health and the Adult Refugee: The Role of the ESL Teacher and Refugees as English Language Learners: Issues and Concerns give specific information about particular needs of refugees. Allene Grognet’s article, Elderly Refugees and Language Learning (ERIC No. ED416 721, available from the ERIC database www.eric.ed.gov) offers pertinent information about age and acculturation issues that also can play a significant role in an adult’s success in an ESL classroom. Such disparate reasons as limited access to education in the native country, different alphabet or educational culture, or heavy work load can contribute to problems an adult ESL l
