1. Illustrate out styles of learning (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, etc) were you most accustomed to when you first began learning your second language? How do you think knowledge of this information might help a classroom teacher?
2. What kinds of differentiated instruction, flexible grouping, and other strategies did your teachers use to better help you succeed?
3. What technologies were beneficial to you as you learned your second language?
4. Describe an experience when you felt especially successful in learning a new language.
5. Describe an experience when you felt especially frustrated, overwhelmed, ignored, or alone in acquiring a new language.
6. Many teachers of English language learners (ELLs) have the goal of teaching students how to interact with adults and peers in both formal and informal settings. Learning socially and culturally appropriate language in social situations is often referred to as hidden curriculum. In your own experience learning a new language, how did your instructors incorporate hidden curriculum?
7. What role do you think culture (traditions, values, the learner's first language or L1) plays in learning a new language?
8. Tell me about any culture shock you experienced before becoming comfortable with a new language.
9. Did your teachers and school reach out to your family? In what ways? What would have made for a better partnership between your home and school?
10. What advice would you give general classroom teachers about teaching ELLs?