Academy for English Studies of America

Mrs. Murray has completed a book that incorporates her proven ESL teaching techniques and will be looking for a publisher. The following is a brief overview of her purposes for the new book:

"More than seventeen years ago, I left the world of public and private education to set out on a journey that has led me as a teacher to many nations of the world via my international students. Men, women and children have come to this country seeking freedom, a better way of life, financial gain and further success for their families.

Those international students fortunate enough to have a little background in English and some extra money for education have moved along into colleges and universities and then on to well paying jobs. However, this has not been the case of many millions who are in the United States trapped in an alien culture with no future and often no job. These are our millions of non-English speaking residents.

Many internationals have sought help from ESL programs in churches, community colleges, libraries and other publicly sponsored programs for those who desire to speak the language. These potential productive citizens arrive believing that they will begin to find their dream a reality. Such is not usually the case!

Students are handed a form to fill out and a new book. They are asked to pay for the book and told to find a seat and open the book. As the students are non-English speaking, they glance around to see if there is anyone in the group they know. Most will “follow the leader” – someone who looks as though she knows what is being said. This class may hold from 10-20 students. Many of the students are reserved in manner, and a little hesitant. Some, having already experienced some form of ESL instruction, sit tense and expectant. Many things have happened in other classrooms across the area. All are hopeful that this time there will be just what is needed to move forward in this new life.

These students cannot recognize the letters or sounds of the English language, but they are expected to learn grammar! These students cannot read a sentence let alone write one, but they are handed a grammar book! This concept defies understanding. Educators know or should know that children should begin learning at the very basic part of reading! ( Letters and Sounds) Because these students are older and more mature does not mean the basic concepts of learning to speak our language, read our language, and write our language should be skipped or set aside!

This book is a compilation of learning and of experience of a teacher who has worked, taught and designed a program over 16 years. It is believed to be needed at this time in the lives of so many who deserve to be taught that English can be learned in a systematic manner, that there is order in the language and that it can be spoken, read, written, and, that even grammar will find its place in the student’s life!

If used and taught in the orderly fashion in which the material is presented, a student will begin speaking and reading confidently within 5-6 weeks. All students will increase in grade level comprehension and vocabulary to 5th-7th grade levels within 12 weeks. Some will even begin writing complete sentences which is the last element an international student achieves. (They must be able to think and speak in English in order to write in English.) Some students will need more time in order to write longer, complete sentences, but now they are willing and able to understand what is happening! As students begin the blending of the first and second languages a confident student begins to emerge. This only comes when the teacher “puts the cookies on the bottom shelf”!"

Doris L. Murray, 2007

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