Philip White of Wake Technical Community College concurs that students in his program want to learn English in order to improve their quality of life - to get along well in USA, to get a better job, to help their children with their homework. Philip has observed a pattern of immigration. Often males will come first, find jobs, and send money home. When an individual has sufficiently established himself, he will bring over rest of his family. Instructional Approaches Creativity and flexibility in teaching are essential to success with ESL students.
Many creative teachers construct their own materials for classroom use.
Both Sallie and Sarah expressed great enthusiasm for the use of laptop computers. Since they are portable, instructors can take them to off campus sites. Students can work individually or in small groups on the computer while the teacher helps other students. This approach is especially helpful when there are many different skill levels in one class. Students build self esteem as they gain computer skills as well as literacy skills - the prestige of being able to operate a computer is important.