[NIFL-ESL:5304] Re: curriculum in volunteer tutoring programs

From: Melanie Danforth (barranca48@hotmail.com)
Date: Tue Nov 21 2000 - 09:33:55 EST


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From: "Melanie Danforth" <barranca48@hotmail.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-ESL:5304] Re: curriculum in volunteer tutoring programs
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Of those of you who work with volunteer ESL tutoring programs, how do you 
approach the topic of curriculum? I coordinate a (9-month-old) tutoring 
program for refugees through a resettlement agency. So far, I have not been 
offering or suggesting the volunteers a standard curriculum. This is because 
1). I haven't found one that I feel comfortable using, 2). there are so many 
varying needs and levels, 3). money)

However, curriculum (of course) can provide structure for inexperienced 
tutors and for learners, and can ensure that certain things are covered.

The way I have dealt with this is to do a very general training, and then 
meet with the tutors individually before placement--at that time I go over a 
general plan for the learner(s), using a combination of textbooks and 
activities. The tutors are pretty much on their own though after that.

Note: this program is one-on-one and small group instruction, mainly in the 
students' homes

I would just like to know what other similar programs do about this.
Thank you--I'd really appreciate any feedback on this topic!

Melanie Siteki
ESL Coordinator, Bridge Refugee and Sponsorship Services

P.S. This is only one of a million questions I have about volunteer-based 
tutoring programs--I'll save the others for later!
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