ESOL Toolkit: Introduction to Basics (CMA)

Description: This workshop is intended for ESOL practitioners who are new to the field or who don't have many years of experience. Participants will be involved in a variety of exercises that will help them discover and discuss aspects of teaching adult ESOL learners that provide a basis for good teaching practice. Learner diversity, goals and goal setting; components of curriculum and lesson planning; ESOL and EFF frameworks; materials; and internet sites will all be touched upon. The facilitators will model sound teaching practices while involving the participants in a variety of activities that can be used in the classroom. Interaction and discussion with colleagues from other programs provides an opportunity for sharing "what works".

Learning Objectives:

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

§ identify and discuss the varied roles of learners as workers, family members, community members and lifelong students, and the impact of these roles on goal setting and learning.

§ describe the ongoing relationship between goals, curriculum and assessment as they affect lesson planning and instruction.

§ examine ways to help learners set goals, identify obstacles and benchmarks toward accomplishing goals

§ develop thematic units based on learners’ goals.

§ participate in a variety of activities that can be used in the classroom and that model sound instructional approaches, including a sample lesson.

§ begin to develop a follow-up lesson incorporating some of the techniques learned, being mindful of the components of learning.

§ discuss (briefly) and share ways to use technology in lessons.