Includes bibliographical references.

"There's more to communication than language. As more and more students whose first language is not English are welcomed to our classrooms, teachers are finding that communicating effectively with this diverse population involves much more than memorizing vocabulary and mastering grammar rules.

In Look at Me When I Talk to You, Sylvia Helmer and Catherine Eddy explore the underlying fundamentals of communication to show how culture influences the message we give - and receive. Elements of both the theory and practice of communicating in a multicultural setting are discussed and examples from real classrooms illustrate the issues that can, and do, arise. These are followed up with practical suggestions that make this book a must-read for all teachers working with students learning English as a second language.

As an ESL learner herself and the holder of a doctorate in education, Sylvia Helmer has extensive classroom experience at all levels, from kindergarten to university. She has taught mainstream subjects and ESL, both domestically and overseas, and has worked as curriculum adaptation specialist for the Vancouver School District. Her current position - English language support teacher - enables her to work collaboratively with teaching colleagues to help ESL learners.

Catherine Eddy has been involved in education for 26 year. She has taught in secondary schools, both mainstream subjects and ESL, as well as at the university level. At various times, she has worked as a consultant for the Canadian International Development Agency and as an ESL consultant for the Vancouver School District. She currently supervises the Vancouver School District's Reception and Orientation Centre, whose purpose is to welcome and work with newly arrives immigrants and their families" (Book cover).

Introduction

Setting the Stage

Culture

Awareness of Culture

ESL Learners Are Individuals

ESL Learners and Communication
Coverbal Communication -- Nonverbal Communication -- A Complex Combination

ESL Learners and Schooling Instructional Strategies -- Cultural Conflicts -- Building Bridges

Values and Beliefs Assertiveness - Compliance -- Dominance - Submission -- Disclosure - Privacy -- Direct Communication - Indirect Communication -- Flexible Time - Time as a Commodity -- The Core of our Humanity

Putting It All Together

A Final Word

Resources

References