Conclusion

Adult learners in ESL classes learn skills at different times and in different ways. Rather than quickly labeling students, teachers need to watch, listen, and speak with students over time to gauge how they are learning. While there are some situations where a formal diagnosis of a learning disability might be useful to adult English language learners (to be eligible for accommodations on the GED or other tests and at work), there may be no advantage in the adult ESL class to having such a label. What is more important for these learners is that teachers use a variety of methods and strategies and build on learners' strengths to help them reach their language learning goals. This strategy holds promise for all adult learners, including those who may have learning disabilities.

This section is based on a paper by Robin Schwarz and Lynda Terrill, ESL Instruction and Adults with Learning Disabilities (2000). Available from http://cal-org.wdi.net/caela/digests/LD2.htm

References

Adkins, M. A., Sample, B., & Birman, D. (1999). Mental health and the adult ESL refugee: The role of the ESL teacher. Washington, DC: National Center for ESL Literacy Education. Retrieved December 14, 2004, from http://cal-org.wdi.net/caela/digests/Mental.htm

Almanza, D., Singleton, K., & Terrill, L. (1995/96). Learning disabilities in adult ESL: Case studies and directions. The Year in Review, 5, 1-6. Retrieved December 14, 2004, from http://cal-org.wdi.net/caela/LDcase.htm

Brown, R., & Ganzglass, E. (1998). Serving welfare recipients with learning disabilities in a work first environment. Retrieved May 18, 2004, from http://www.nga.org/cda/files/072898LEARNING.pdf

Ganschow, L., & Sparks, R. (1993). Foreign language and learning disabilities: Issues, research and teaching implications. In S. A. Vogel & P. B. Adelman (Eds.), Success for college students with learning disabilities (pp. 283-322). New York: Springer-Verlag.

Isserlis, J. (2000). Trauma and the adult English language learner. Retrieved December 14, 2004, from http://cal-org.wdi.net/caela/digests/trauma2.htm

National Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities Center. (1995). Adults with learning disabilities: Definitions and issues. Retrieved May 18, 2004, from http://www.nifl.gov/nifl/ld/archive/definiti.htm

National Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities Center. (1996). Bridges to practice: A researchbased guide for literacy providers serving adults with learning disabilities. Retrieved May 18, 2004, from http://www.nifl.gov/nifl/ld/bridges/bridges.html

Riviere, A. (1996). Assistive technology: Meeting the needs of adults with learning disabilities.Retrieved May 18, 2004, from http://www.nifl.gov/nifl/ld/archive/assistec.htm