ESL Rules, Different?

Dr. Nancy Grove's talk on Wednesday was very interesting, in my opinion. I thought it was so unusual when she introduced herself in Turkish (of course I had no idea what language this was until she told us), and I did in fact feel a bit confused, perhaps frustrated. Importantly, we were put on the side of the students who experience the language barrier they experience when coming to America from a foreign, non-English speaking country. Also, I thought that Dr. Grove's advice was interesting concerning the consultation itself. She seemed to recommend a process that is both facilitative and directive. While it is, of course, necessary to ask questions and be as facilitative as possible, it is simultaneously important to be sure not to overwhelm the student or have overly high expectations. And this made me think... Isn't this true for all students? We must maintain expectations that are reasonable and that are in line with a student's capabilities. Expecting that a foreign student will have the ability to select between options presented to him or her is unreasonable, because he or she does not have the experience necessary to explore new or non-conventional modes of writing. A starting point is necessary. But isn't the same true for everyone? I feel like the facilitative mode of consultancy is excellent, but it really is only useful on some important points. Sometimes, in my opinion, it is wise to tell a student: NO, that is not the best way to do things. Try it this way, and work it out like this. Of course, then the consultant will facilitate in other ways, offering the student options, asking questions, etc. Sometimes, it is simply obvious that a student has not mastered a writing skill. Thus, I do not think it is wise to allow or even encourage a student to veer off on a path when an experimental and probably more difficult writing tract will be used. The facilitative aspect of out jobs is most important, but I also think we must be sure students are working within an appropriate framework.