Author(s): Mathews-Aydinli, J.

Institutional affiliation/Agency/Program: CAELA

Publication date or date of most recent update: 09/2006

Number of pages: 6

Website URL: http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/briefs/transition.html

Type of product: training product; curriculum design; lesson plan development

Key words: English as a Second Language (ESL), transitions, college-bound, immigrant, adult learners, ABE, GED, classroom practice, program development

Target population: Instructors, Administrators, Researchers, Curriculum or Program Developers

Training required: None. Further training and study is needed to supplement this introductory piece.

Abstract: This article focuses on classroom and program (administrator) practices that promote successful transitions for L2 learners to postsecondary education. The brief covers research and theory related to instructional strategies useful in supporting adult ELL students' transition to college. This is followed by a review of the professional wisdom from program strategies currently in use. At the classroom level, the author focuses on language (accuracy, vocabulary development), reading and writing genres, and developing thinking skills. For administrators, the author addresses academic and non-academic factors such as building student portfolios, future job identification, and community building. This article provides excellent practical and theoretical resources.

What the experts say:
This resource is helpful to administrators and teachers of college-bound ESL students who want a broad review of some of the strategies that either are known to or hypothesized to help these students succeed in college. (Note: The program strategies that are listed have less documentation of their success than do the instructional strategies.)

This brief is easily translatable to classroom practice because it provides numerous concrete classroom strategies and describes successful programs. It looks at the subject of transition comprehensively by addressing both classroom practice and administrative support. Furthermore, it provides an extensive resource list and has clear links to successful programs.

Further Resources Suggested by Reviewers: