I've never been clear about the difference between EFL and ESL, but if the difference is EFL is taught in the native country, and ESL in the second language country (which makes sense), then you're right! If one want's to be successful in one's new country, one quickly discovers that the languague used in the new country is essential.  Those who want to be successful in the business world have even a bigger stake in learning the language of the land. 
		 
		 I teach in a technical college where many students go into vocational classes, and having good English skills is critical.  The texts are written for English speakers, much of the vocabulary is unique to the field, and often the instructors have no ESL training.  I'm currently team teaching a mechanic course with a transportation instructor.  I'm there to provide English support to ESL students in the class and some native English speakers who need help too!  My ESL students are highly motiviated to learn English.  

 
Mikal Steinbacher
Instructor, ABE/ESL/English
Lake Washington Technical College

________________________________

From: englishlanguage-bounces at nifl.gov on behalf of Glenda Lynn Rose
Sent: Sat 1/17/2009 4:12 PM
To: The Adult English Language Learners Discussion List
Subject: [EnglishLanguage 3484] Re: Motivation in language learning


I would say that this may be one of the areas that distinguishes ESL from EFL.  It is highly unusual for me to have an unmotivated student.  Some have to leave the program for a while for personal reasons, but they almost always return as soon as they are able.  The sacrifice significant amounts of time and energy learning English, although understanding my students' lives, I make it pefectly clear that "homework" may be done at the following class period if there is not time to do it at home - without any fear of negative consequences (a difference between adult ed ESL and college level, I suspect).  
 
 
Grace and Peace!
Glenda Lynn Rose, PhD

Instuctor, 
Austin Learning Academy
841-4777
 


--- On Sat, 1/17/09, Steve Kaufmann <steve at thelinguist.com> wrote:


	From: Steve Kaufmann <steve at thelinguist.com>
	Subject: [EnglishLanguage 3481] Motivation in language learning
	To: "The Adult English Language Learners Discussion List" <englishlanguage at nifl.gov>
	Date: Saturday, January 17, 2009, 11:13 AM
	
	
	 A teacher of English in Japan had this to say;
	
	"I have been running into this problem for 5 years now. Out of about 300 people I have taught, I have about 2-3 who have put any real effort to improve their language ability. "
	
	I know from experience that meaningful progress in language learning, in other words, significant self-transformation into a person who speaks another language fluently, takes a lot of effort and commitment, mostly one one's own, outside the classroom. It has also been my experience that the percentage of people who are prepared to put in the effort required is very small. It may be around 1%.
	
	So in the end, language class achieves certain social goals, for both learners and teachers, but does not really bring about any breakthrough in language skills, for all but a tiny minority.
	
	Any comments?
	
	Steve Kaufmann
	www.lingq.com <http://www.lingq.com/> 
	
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