Hello Adult Language Learner Community!

My name is Julie McKinney and I moderate the discussion list on Focus on Basics. Many of you probably know of this valuable publication from the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL). It presents best practices and connects adult literacy research to practice.

I'm sure this has been announced to you already, but I want to personally invite you to check out the most recent issue, which is on ESOL research. Read about the "Lab School", a unique collaboration that allows researchers to gather information during ESOL classes that can shed new light on many aspects of the intricacies of the language learning process.

Also in this issue are in-depth looks at:

*The surprising benefits of student interactions such as spontaneous conversations, turn-taking, opening interactions, and pair work during class 

*Using modified silent sustained reading with learners of English

*ESOL learners who seem "stuck", and finding the keys to continued progress

*Learning how to teach Health Literacy, using the Study Circle+ model of professional development

There is so much practical information in this issue that can help guide what teachers do in ESOL classes that I wanted to be sure to tell you all about it. 

You can find this issue of FOB, along with past issues at: www.ncsall.net

Please feel free to join the FOB discussion list for a while if you want to discuss the articles in this issue. We will be having some of the authors, researchers, and teachers as guest speakers on the list in a few weeks. I'll let you know when. You can join the FOB list at: http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/Focusonbasics


Enjoy!

Julie

Julie McKinney
Discussion List Moderator
NCSALL/World Education, Inc.
jmckinney at worlded.org