Prejudice encompasses discrimination based  upon language uses and variations such as accents. Other students, or even staff members, may treat a child in a negative manner as a result of their language. Humans realise difference, and discriminate against it. This is something you must look out for as a teaching assistant for EAL learners.

Tell-tale signs include:
-The child appearing withdrawn.
-Loss of appetite.
-Not attempting to engage with peers or staff.
-Obvious bullying behaviour towards the student from others or vice versa.

The most common issue amongst EAL students learning the language effectively is learner anxiety which can be heightened by prejudicial behaviour.

Learner Anxiety is….
” A distinct complex of self-perceptions, beliefs, feelings, and behaviours related to classroom language learning arising from the uniqueness of foreign language learning process”
(Horwitz et al 1986:128)

It can knock a student’s self-efficacy and confidence and therefore, knock their strive to achieve. Although, learner anxiety can occur naturally, discrimination massively contributes to the depth of the anxiety and is known as being a huge trigger. Confidence is key.

But remember to stay positive. Anxiety is not static. It can be reversed with the adequate intervention. If you suspect a child is suffering from any of the above let a higher member of staff know so the problem can be resolved and the child can get the best from their education and from your skills.