Hello to members of our ESOL discussion list,

I've been enjoying our ESOL in the Workplace discussions this morning. Maria's information about the initial meeting between a company/employer and a workplace ESL provider is excellent.  I want to respond to her discussion where she has written "Once I choose the perfect instructor..."

I've been trying to decide just how to bring the needs of the students into this discussion because as you all know, without them we have nothing, and Maria's comment seemed to be the place to discuss the students and their needs.  Several weeks ago an ESL student asked me what "gitit" means.  She said that her employer will explain what she is to do in the factory where she works and then always ends her conversation by saying, "Getit."  The ESL student said, "What do I say to her?"  When I said, "You can say, got it." she was so excited. The other students who had been listening to our conversation actually clapped their hands.  

I keep trying to remember that we need to meet their needs, no matter what we have planned as a "lesson for the day." Maria definitely understands this with her comment, "Once I choose the perfect instructor."

Pat Sawyer
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: PRISCILLA S CARMAN 
  To: workplace at nifl.gov 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:19 PM
  Subject: [Workplace 1514] Maria's posting from Texas


  Hello everyone, I just finished reading Maria Caratini-Prado's posting and something caught my eye that I think is a wonderful and replicable best practice.  Maria, you mentioned that you use demographics information to identify areas of need and then drive through the areas to meet with directors and managers, disseminating your college's program information as appropriate. I think this sounds like an amazingly proactive approach to building capacity and meeting needs. Thank you for sharing your information and this best practice. Sincerely, Priscilla Carman



At Eastfield College, I use census demographics information and city
statistical information to learn where in the area there is marked density of
non-English language speakers.  I drive through those areas and meet with
directors or managers to talk about what I see.  (I do this every summer
in early July.)  I have a document that shows the different programs and
courses my college offers and emphasize that those courses can be adapted to
fit industry.

-What needs to happen at the initial meeting between a company/employer and a
workplace ESL provider?  I like to provide a "mini-college fair" at
the company.  Once I am in the door, I feel that the first person I need to
speak to is the one needing the language because in significant numbers, the
employees will clamor for the company to offer ESL.  I also provide my
customary presentation to the CEO, managers, etc. and provide a sample of what
a Business Industry ESL class is like.

Priscilla Carman
  Literacy Specialist
  Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy
  Penn State University
  208F Rackley Building
  University Park, PA 16802
  PH: 814-865-1049 FX: 814-863-6108





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