Constructing a Dialogic ESL Classroom: Questioning the Standard

Abstract:

In English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom across the United States, international students are studying Academic English and absorbing American culture. This paper questions how ESL teachers respond to international students cultural questions about linguistic facets of American culture. This paper also confronts biases in the ESL industry towards Standard English speakers and discusses benefits and pitfalls of approaches in ESL teacher education to address biases. Woven throughout, the author reflects on lessons learned from both early and later stages of her career as an ESL teacher