Learning a foreign language is very important, particularly the popular language. Most of these popular languages are used as the principal means of communication across the globe. There are numerous ways of learning a foreign language, and the best way is studying in a country where there are native speakers.
However, this has never been an easy task for foreign students. These students experience countless language difficulties in their classes, particularly during their first year of study. This essay will highlight several language difficulties facing foreign students in their classes and their solutions.
Language difficulties
One of the most common language difficulties facing this category of students is grasping new vocabularies and foreign accent. This is a major obstacle during the learning process. The best solution to this problem is to allow out of class language practice; for instance, foreign students can speak with the native speakers inside and outside the school.
Out of class practice is very important because students spent most of their time outside the classroom. Also, learning new vocabularies will help the foreign student to understand their teachers and fellow students who are native speakers. Another solution would be paring foreign students with native students during classroom sessions. This will ensure that foreign students are accorded maximum assistance.
Another difficulty may be in the assessment systems used in the host country, which may differ from the home country’s system. This normally hurts the student’s study habits and their mindset towards knowledge and education. This can be solved by providing clear directives and explanations to the foreign students on what is expected of them about study and assessments. Also, the school should provide language inductions and workshops for foreign students to familiarize them with the new system.
Besides vocabulary and accent difficulties, writing and listening skills also challenge facing most foreign students. Difficulties in the two skills often lead to misspelling and content misunderstanding. One of the solutions to the two problems is providing handouts or notes before lessons.
This will assist foreign students in understanding the content of the lessons and also enhance their concentration. Also, the classroom front seats should be reserved for foreign students to minimize listening difficulties. Teachers should also write key words and concepts on the board and highlight significant points. Last but not least, teachers should pause occasionally and ask students if they need any clarification.
The reading proficiency and speed of the foreign students have often been below those of the native speakers. Lack of reading proficiency and speed may also affect other aspects of learning, for instance, note-taking, making summaries, and strategic reading. One of the solutions to this problem is providing reading materials earlier, with more focus on foreign students. The students should also be encouraged to form reading and discussion groups.
Writing proficiency is also a problem facing most foreign students. Many of them do not have the writing skills required for certain courses or programs. These skills may be in the form of sentence structures, writing styles, referencing, and level of plagiarism. The best solution to this problem is to provide foreign students with writing guidelines and assistance whenever needed.
Conclusion
Foreign students normally face numerous language difficulties. These difficulties include normal communication, adjusting to a new culture, listening and understanding, reading skills, and writing skills. All these difficulties should be given special consideration.