David, thank you for clarifying the terms workforce, workplace, and
work-based instruction.  At the very least, we want to be aware of the fact
that individuals use a variety of terms to describe much of the work we do
to build the skills of workers, whether they are emerging, incumbent, or
displaced workers.  

 

On to David's question:  What are some possible solutions to the
unavailability or inaccessibility of additional instruction for employees
who've had the opportunity to be enrolled in work-related instruction and
want more?  The first thing that comes to mind is distance learning, but the
population you are describing faces a number of obstacles to accessing such.
For those working full time or two jobs, taking overtime when they can get
it, and still trying to enroll in classes, there just don't seem to be
enough hours in the day.  We have found a partial solution for a class of
construction electricians in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.  They
work full time, take overtime when they can get it, are enrolled in a basic
electrician's course, and oh, by the way - an ESL class!  The program was
able to purchase a set of the Sed de Saber kits.  Sed de Saber uses the
technology of the LeapFrog Quantum Pad for a self-paced, take home system.
It is appropriate for use with low level English language learners whose
first language is Spanish.  This seems to be effective in extending learning
beyond the traditional classroom and providing continuity and connection for
those whose work prevents them from attending classes regularly.  Challenge:
at these kits are checked out to learners, a system has to be devised to
assure the kits are returned at the end of an individual's studies!  

 

This is just one possible solution.  Can someone offer others?  

 

Barbara Tondre

 

 

 

 

  _____  

From: workplace-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:workplace-bounces at nifl.gov] On
Behalf Of David J. Rosen
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:17 AM
To: The Workplace Literacy Discussion List
Subject: [Workplace 1506] Re: Taking the Plunge into Work-Based ESL

 

Colleagues, 

 

On Jul 22, 2008, Barbara Tondre wrote:

The terms workforce, workplace, and work-based are often used
interchangeably in discussions of work-related literacy, basic skills, and
English language instruction. Is one preferred over the others and is there
a marked difference in meaning?

I understand these terms as different, not interchangeable, so I would like
to offer some definitions

 

Workplace learning, including workplace English, is usually classes focused
on basic skills learning contextualized to a particular workplace, company
or industry. Although the classes are usually held at the workplace they
could be held at a union hall, community college or elsewhere. Some
workplace learning takes place online.

 

Workforce learning, in adult literacy education, could include workplace
learning but often focuses on preparing students for work or, for workers
who have lost their jobs, for new kinds of work.

 

Work-based learning, usually for students who are preparing for work, has a
high school, college or adult education class component and also a learning
component at work. Ideally the two are well integrated.

 

In the context of this discussion, I believe we are talking about workplace
learning, specifically English language learning.

 

I have a question for Barbara, Pat or others, perhaps for later in the
discussion: Over years of providing, observing and evaluating workplace
learning, including English language learning, I have seen some great
classes, teaching, and curriculum. I have seen students who are highly
motivated, and who make great gains. However, usually a company only offers
one or two levels of workplace English. Companies are usually not able to
provide space or fund teachers for more than this. The students, still
motivated to learn more English, are often stuck. They don't know where they
can go for classes, or the classes aren't offered when they can take them
or, because they have two or more jobs, they have no time to attend classes
anywhere. What are some good solutions to this problem?

 

David J. Rosen

djrosen at comcast.net

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