'Too few' teachers trained in English as Second Language

A new study suggests a majority of teachers feel insufficiently qualified to meet the needs of students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The New South Wales report indicates that only 27 per cent of the state's teachers received training in teaching English as a Second Language before joining the workforce.

 

It says teachers have expressed concern that the lack of adequate training could have long-term implications for many students.

 

One of the researchers of the report is Associate Professor Megan Watkins of the University of Western Sydney's Institute for Culture and Society.

 

Professor Watkins has told Zara Zaher 90 per cent of respondents believe ESL qualifications are critical for teaching students and children from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

 

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