Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id eALEoO907410; Tue, 21 Nov 2000 09:50:24 -0500 (EST) Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2000 09:50:24 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <3A1A8BEA.934EB40@us.net> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: sissy kegley <skegley@us.net> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:5305] Re: curriculum in volunteer tutoring programs X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.73 [en] (Win98; U) Status: O Content-Length: 2293 Lines: 48 I appreciate Melanie's inquiry and look forward to seeing some responses. It brings to mind another question that has been nagging me for years: can someone give me a good practical definition of curriculum? something tells me that curriculum is NOT the same thing as a text, yet many of us seem to use the two terms "curriculum" and "texts" interchangeably, or almost. In developing a curriculum, what are you doing that is different from deciding which, if any, text to use? And, then, what is the difference between that, and developing the syllabus? I work in an adult ed. community-based program; that is my particular perspective. We don't have the resources to develop huge, multimedia types of learning activities. Thanks for responding, sissy kegley takoma park, md Melanie Danforth wrote: > 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! > _____________________________________________________________________________________ > Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com
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