Return-Path: <nifl-workplace@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id f5QHwLf21858; Tue, 26 Jun 2001 13:58:22 -0400 (EDT) Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 13:58:22 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <LFEJKDKEPNGCBIGCPOJLEELMCAAA.haw6@psu.edu> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-workplace@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-workplace@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-workplace@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "H. A. C. Watson" <haw6@psu.edu> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-workplace@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-WORKPLACE:218] xpost- Discussion on the NIFL-ESL list- Workplace ESL Programs X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook IMO, Build 9.0.2416 (9.0.2910.0) Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 1578 Lines: 38 NIFL-Workplace Subscribers do you have any response to the inquiry below. Initial Question I have been a field facilitator in St. Louis supervising a year-old Workplace ESL program. My organization offers free ESL classes to employees at some local businesses, including hotels and factories. One problem I've encountered is that when I offer something and call it "free" (because there is no cost to the employer or employees), the business tends not to grasp the value of the class, interest dwindles from the initial excitement of having an on-site English class, and attendance goes downhill. We've closed five sites this year because of lack of attendance, which can in most cases be traced back to lack of sustained enthusiasm and encouragement by the participating company. We've tried suggesting that they compensate their employees for attending class. Businesses who are willing to do this end up having overall more successful classes. But not everyone is willing to do this. My inquiry is this: How have you made (or seen) Workplace ESL programs work in your area? What are some core Do's and Dont's when it comes to opening a free ESL class for employees? Or is this the nature of Workplace ESL programs? I'd appreciate feedback. Thanks. David R. Smith There have been a number of responses on the NIFL-ESL list perhaps we can add our wisdom to the list. Heidi Heidi A. C. Watson NIFL-Workplace Co-moderator Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy 102 Rackley Building University Park, PA 16802 (814) 865-3777 or 865-6472 direct Fax (814) 863-6108
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