Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Practice Test

A teacher's use of the students' native language is most appropriately described as which of the following in structured immersion programs?

1. Carefully monitored so that it is used less than 50% of the time

2. Strictly prohibited

3. Used only during the "preview/review" segments of the lesson

4. Limited primarily to the clarification of English instruction

The correct answer is: Limited primarily to the clarification of English instruction

In structured immersion programs, the primary goal is to teach students English while they are also engaging in content learning. The use of the students' native language plays a supportive role in this context. When the teacher uses the native language primarily for the clarification of English instruction, it allows students to better understand complex concepts and instructions without becoming lost in the language barrier. This approach fosters a more inclusive learning environment and helps reduce anxiety, facilitating their overall language acquisition. In contrast to this correct option, using the native language less than 50% of the time does not align with the inherent goal of immersion, which is to create a rich English-speaking environment. A prohibition of native language may alienate students or hinder their understanding, while limiting its use only to "preview/review" segments might not provide the necessary support for comprehension when new content is being introduced. Hence, focusing on the clarification of English instruction aligns with best practices in teaching English language learners by allowing them to leverage their native language as a resource in their learning journey.