Teaching the Right Thing: Integrating Language and Content to Improve Outcomes for English Language

Abstract: Recent research has demonstrated that adult language learners work best when their instruction is personalized, relevant to their real-world needs, and tailored to their interests and motivations; unfortunately, most traditional English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are not designed this way. This webinar will walk program administrators and teachers through how to conduct a language needs analysis for their non-native English speakers and then how to use the results to design innovative, forward-thinking programs that integrate language skills with skills development in order to improve outcomes for English Language Learners (ELLs). Based on recent empirical research in the fields of second language acquisition and technology-enabled instruction, practical recommendations for building and measuring an effective task-based language learning program will be reviewed.