Advising English Language Learners
When you think of an English Language Learner (ELL), who comes to mind? You might have pictured one your your international students. While our international student population is mostly comprised of ELL students, the ELL population extends beyond that group. ELL students are generally defined as students who do not speak English as their first language. This could include students who are new immigrants to the US or even students who have resided in the US for most of their lives but come from a family that has a primary language other than English.

It's important to recognize the ELL student population as diverse and widespread. This issue of the Advising Essentials will provide a theoretical perspective to ground your work with ELL students, resources you can refer them to, and general course suggestions for ELL students.
ELL students are linguistic minorities who may have other labels and identifying characteristics that take precedent over their language. Because of this, it's important to consider ELL students in a holistic manner, rather than just based on their native language.

One way to take a holistic view of ELL students is to utilize a developmental ecology framework . This perspective allows advisers to take contextual and environmental factors into account when working with a student. Once an adviser is able to understand the student and their ecological factors, the adviser is able to make referrals to resources on campus that will be most beneficial to the student's success.
Behrend values the ELL students on campus and has multiple resources available to aid in their success both inside and outside of the classroom. When working with ELL students, be sure to refer them to the following resources:



  • BEAM Mentors- a peer mentoring program to facilitate English practice

  • Multicultural Council- a student organization that promotes awareness and understanding of underrepresented groups
These courses are designed for non-native English speakers and they have an intensive focus on improving formal and academic English skills:

  • ENGL 4 Basic Writing: Focuses on reading, writing in paragraphs, using grammar, and understanding punctuation. This course may not fulfill any graduation requirements, but it will provide students with the basics they need to be successful in future English classes.

  • ENGL 15 Rhetoric and Composition: The "900" sections of ENGL 15 are specially designed for ELL students. This course will fulfill one of their GWS requirements.

  • CMLIT 153 International Film and Literature: Examines the use of narration across cultures in both film and literature. This course will fulfill a GH and IL requirement.

  • CMLIT 184 The Short Story: Utilizes short stories from around the world. This course will fulfill and GH and IL requirement.

  • AMST 100 Introduction of American Studies: Designed for students who are new to America. This course will fulfill a GH and US requirement.

Additional new ELL support courses will be added for the upcoming fall semester!
Upcoming Events
The DUS Advisers are hosting the Faculty Adviser Professional Development Series again this semester!

The next workshop is on Tuesday, Jan. 29 from 2:30-3:30pm in Reed 114 and Wednesday Jan. 30 from 1:30-2:30pm in Burke 236. It will focus on advising under-prepared students. A panel of faculty and advisers will discuss tips, tricks, and techniques for advising students who may have a challenging time adjusting to college.
New this semester:
We are happy to answer any questions you might have! Additionally, if you have any suggestions regarding future Advising Essentials content, please let us know.

Thank you,