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 f5QJZTf23867; Tue, 26 Jun 2001 15:35:29 -0400 (EDT) Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 15:35:29 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <E809F4A8C0B98B4C9F24041B8B7F4E2E2BE42C@CRECMAIL.learningcorridor.org> 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: Ajit Gopalakrishnan <AGopalak@crec.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-workplace@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-WORKPLACE:219] RE: xpost- Discussion on the NIFL-ESL list- X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: text/plain X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) Status: O Content-Length: 3606 Lines: 99 Hello David, You seem to be raising a few questions: 1. Does employer commitment and support translate to better student recruitment? Yes. I definitely think so. 2. You say: 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, I am not certain that ONLY if you charge for your classes will businesses grasp its value. Yes.. charging a fee is important, but it is only part of the overall commitment. When businesses see our classes/services as integral to their growth and development, then I feel that their commitment will subsequently be greater. Of course, this translates directly for us to: - the "realistic" nature of goals and outcomes for our classes that we negotiate with the company, - the appropriateness of our curriculum to the espoused and observed needs of employer/employee - the method of instruction, and - the methods of assessment and how accurately they measure what is being taught. In our experience in Connecticut, most programs charge companies (from partially to fully) for their services. With respect to paying employees, of course, it is generally very desirable that businesses pay employees (either partially or fully) for attending workplace education classes, especially if the classes were instituted to address an immediate workplace "problem". However, some non-monetary incentives can also work. Best, Ajit Ajit Gopalakrishnan Capitol Region Education Council 111 Charter Oak Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: (860) 524-4036 Fax: (860) 246-3304 Email: agopalak@crec.org Web Site: http://www.crec.org/atdn/ > -----Original Message----- > From: H. A. C. Watson [SMTP:haw6@psu.edu] > Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 1:56 PM > To: Multiple recipients of list > Subject: [NIFL-WORKPLACE:218] xpost- Discussion on the NIFL-ESL list- > Workplace ESL Programs > > 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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