Leveraging Flip,a Video Discussion Platform,to Support the Needs of International ESL Pre-Service Teachers

Abstract

International students, particularly international English as a Second Language (ESL) students who come to the United States with relatively lower levels of English oral language proficiency, are often reluctant to participate in academic discussions. In a graduate-level TESOL program with a majority of international ESL students, a video recording, sharing, and discussion platform, Flip, was utilized in the program's teaching innovation. Flip is widely adopted by educators of all grade levels worldwide, as it enables educators to create a less formal online space to meet the holistic needs of international ESL students, including both academic and social needs. The article explains the teaching context of the practice, four stages of course integration with Flip, reasons for the integration, reflections, and future pedagogical directions. Incorporating Flip in this program promotes linguistic benefits, teacher identity and skill development, a community of belonging, and increased equity in assessment. Practical pedagogical considerations are also provided at the end of the article.