ESL/ESOL

Abstract:

The pandemic has made it clear that high-quality, virtual learning is now a necessity, and it has highlighted the need to address issues of access and equity, especially with chronically underserved populations. While there is a national focus on apprenticeship and other workforce development programs, they have too often left English language learners behind. Come join this webinar to learn how to create English language onramps for existing job skills programs, effectively integrating employment and training programs for non-native speakers entering healthcare, manufacturing, food and beverage, and other in-demand career fields. Drawing on decades of research and experience in the fields of adult learning, immigrant integration, and workforce training, this webinar will offer relevant, practical advice to organizations looking to quickly and effectively upskill and reskill English learners with the tools they need for career development and economic mobility. Original Webinar Date: August 27, 2020 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/Z71zB5fGS0Q

Abstract:

All ESL programs want their learners to experience high-quality teaching, whether it is delivered by a full-time professional teacher, a part-time teacher who is new to the field, or a classroom volunteer. This session will share resources that have been developed to increase the teaching skills and confidence of classroom teachers and volunteers who may have limited time for training and varying levels of expertise. Throughout the session, participants will have the opportunity to explore the Minnesota Literacy Council’s classroom activity videos, mini-trainings toolkit, and ESL small-group pull-out kits. These resources will support teachers and volunteers in areas such as giving effective feedback, delivering activity instructions, and using appropriate amounts of teacher talk. The presenter will recommend ways for programs to use these free resources to support teachers and volunteers, and participants will share their own ideas through facilitated discussions.

Abstract:

Are you teaching your students to think about their thinking? Are you giving them opportunities to build their critical thinking skills to problem solve? Let’s have fun together discovering metacognition activities, strategies, and lessons to build important thinking skills for success in class and in life. Teaching critical thinking is good for ALL students and especially important in reaching those with learning difficulties.

Abstract:

The Open Door Collective is a national group of adult educators and others committed to reducing poverty and income inequality. We will describe the Open Door Collective's efforts and invite discussion about community partnerships that support adult basic skills, community health, libraries and safety net services advocacy.

Abstract:

Most adult basic skills (including ESL/ESOL) learners now have smartphones, yet few know that free or low-cost apps can help them learn, as a supplement to what they are learning in class, or while waiting for a class or a tutor. David J. Rosen will present models for “onboarding” adult learners to have access to a suitable education app, feel comfortable and competent in using it, and begin acquiring online learning skills they will need for their learning throughout their lives. The models are suitable for adult basic skills (including ESL/ESOL) programs and for public libraries.

Abstract:

An innovative, blended learning model for adults, learning circles use online learning resources together with teacher- or volunteer-facilitated face-to-face sessions to support peer learning. We will discuss the range of learning circles and ways to use them in adult basic skills education. Learning circles have been piloted and customized for adult ESOL/ESL programs that want to reduce waiting lists or supplement face-to-face learning. In this session you will learn about the range of learning circles, how they have been used by adult ESL/ESOL programs, and about the English Now! Model, funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, piloted by World Education and five ESOL programs in New England and is now being scaled up nationally.

Abstract:

In the last few years, the landscape of adult education has changed dramatically, and the popular Future series has changed too. The new edition upholds Future’s signature integration of English communication skills with robust content and meaningful contexts, as it also embraces the increased rigor of the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) and higher expectations for Workplace Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) outcomes. In this session the presenter will introduce you to new features of Future 2nd edition including a new content-based reading strand designed to challenge students’ higher order thinking skills and build their general knowledge through multiple readings on the same topic, and a new workplace soft-skill strand which engages students’ communication and culture skills in a collaborative problem-solving task. Come see how Future 2nd Edition has changed with the times. The overview presentation will be followed by a Q & A with Sarah Lynn.

Abstract:

Recently, cognitive science has broadened and deepened our understanding of how the human brain learns. This session is intended to share the science, and demonstrate its practice in teaching. The presenter will give an overview of recent research on the role of student “elaboration” and why having students express themselves and make their own connections is essential to lasting and transferable learning. We will explore several simple and engaging activities to connect our curricular material to students’ prior knowledge and their lives beyond our program walls.