Myths and Realities: Best Practices for English Language Learners

by Denise McKeon

A lot has changed since the first edition of Myths and Realities, yet the trends in education are as undeniable as they were then: English language learners (ELLs) constitute the fastest growing population in U.S. schools and their teachers face an increasingly challenging educational context. For teachers and other educators, acquiring the understanding and skills to help ELLs succeed academically is more urgent than ever. Thats why Katharine Davies Samway and Denise McKeon have returned to update the myths they challenged in the first edition of Myths and Realities, address new ones that have arisen since, and discuss how teachers of ELLs can ensure that their students will fare well in the era of No Child Left Behind. Written for any teacher or education professional, Myths and Realities, Second Edition, is an invaluable resource for clarifying persistent misunderstandings about what second language learners can do, what they need, and what methods work best for them. In an easy-to-read format Samway and McKeon state often-heard myths about ELLs and then address the reality. They follow up with support for the reality they describe, citing the most recent and most pertinent research, outlining implications for instruction, and illustrating it all with vignettes drawn from real classrooms. Myths and Realites, Second Edition, helps you replace misinformation about ELLs with crucial knowledge important to everyone working with second language learners, including information on: second language acquisition assessment, programming, and placement staffing and staff development involving parents and the community literacy development and teaching. Myths and Realities, Second Edition includes a glossary that defines the fields changing and often-confusing acronyms and terms as well as an annotated list of helpful resources, featuring the latest and most informative websites for understanding and working with ELLs. Dont let confusion and misunderstandings about English language learners keep you from helping your students succeed. Read Myths and Realities, Second Edition, and get the most up-to-date information about just how capable nonnative speakers are and how many of the skills and practices you already use can help them become successful and proficient speakers, readers, and writers of English.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Linguistics

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 1999

Reviews

[Lilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read this book as part of a graduate program. This book offers a great insight into the current myths that surround the population of English Language Learners. I was greatly surprised to learn that this book addressed 61 myths in total. I knew about some of these myths, but I never thought there would be so many. It was important that the authors of this book brought these myths to light so that people are informed of the misconceptions that surround English Language Learners.
As a future English as a New Language (ENL) teacher, this book was relevant to my studies because it addressed many concepts that I have studied regarding the effectiveness of programs geared towards English language learners. This book reveals that the one size fits all approach is just a myth. Instead, it is necessary that we focus on the “strategies or program design features” that will help English language learners succeed academically.
One aspect that I enjoyed about the book was the vignettes, which reflect the climate of the education in America. These vignettes brought to life the realities that affect the public-school system. I understand that the authors reviewed the first edition of the book and added to their list while organizing it into themes, which I found very useful. However, I wish they had simplified the list to the ten most relevant myths. By doing so, it would have made it easier for future and current teachers to focus on the myths that are more prevalent in education.

[Caren Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently read this book as part of a graduate program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). At first, I really liked the book - it was an easy read, with interesting information! The 61 myths were grouped by category/topic area, and each myth was stated very clearly, with a short clarification that dispelled the rumor or myth in a short overview. However, as I read further into the book, I felt like I was reading a disjointed list, with no summary tying any of it together. Many of the myths were obvious, especially to educators. Having said that, this is a good resource book to have on hand for anyone involved with English language learners. As ENL teachers, it is our responsibility to be aware of this information, and to share it as much as possible to help dispel these prevalent rumors and myths. It would be useful to share this book with others when explaining the ELL population or trying to get funding for ELL support.

Although there was no central theme or big idea that was reinforced through this book, my own take away is that it is important to do your research before making assumptions about English language learners. I wish the authors had emphasized the potential risk and damage that can occur if these myths persist, as I think it would have been a much more impactful book.

Among the myths that I had believed to be true before reading the book were:

1) Most English language learners were born outside the US. False.
2) When English language learners speak in their native language in English-medium classes, they are likely to be off-task. False.

[Cathy Rosato · Rating 3 out of 5]

The general topic of demystifying myths has always been intriguing to me. Currently, I am taking classes for a teaching certification in English as a New Language (ENL). I chose this book as part of the course work. In education, there are many myths out there and with the rising ENL population the myths are growing. The authors of this book offered 61 myths that were categorized into ten sections including demographic, literacy and assessment. Each one was a quick read and to the point. The realities included current research as well as relevant graphs. A scenario portion was also included which had relevance, but was simple in organization. I felt that it took a long time to get to the meat of the scenes and could have started further along. It is well known that assumptions cause elevated problems. It would have been pertinent to include the far reaching problems from the myths discussed.
This book could serve as a good resource for initial research on topics. With the quick overviews and research-based information, the sections could be used as an introduction to a professional development workshop or as a way to begin a discussion at a staff meeting. Overall, it was a quick and interesting read. I would give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The myths and realities organization of this book makes it readable and relateable. However, I don't feel like I learned much because the myths seemed so absurd to me as a whole. If you teach in a school with a large ESOL population, none of this is news to you.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a book educators should read!!

[Qiujia Guo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The professor of the ELL Foundations class recommended this book to us. The book covers a wide range of topics in ELL education and really helps me clarify some misunderstandings of ELL legislations, placement, program types, etc. Highly recommended for preservice and inservice ELL educators.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this for my ELL methods class... giving me a better understanding on how I feel about some of the politics of working with English Language Learners.

[Hannah Craft · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a great book for education majors or anyone who is interested in learning more about English language learning.