Hello,
Creative Workplace Learning (CWL) has been providing ESOL classes in the
workplace for over 20 years. Some of my instructors, all of whom are
part-times have been working for the organizations for 15 -20 years. The
previous Director of the English as a Working Language program at CWL told
me she hires teachers based on 3 things - knowledge of subject, experience,
and PERSONALITY. Last year I hired  an instructor for a class of
professionals who were not able to speak very much English although their
ability to read English was at a very advanced level. He began the class
with common pronunciations like gotcha, gimme, etc. I observed some of the
first class and was sorry to have had to leave. This is really what people
need to learn becuz that is how we talk.
Lloyd

Lloyd David, EdD.
Creative Workplace Learning
311 Washington Street
Brighton, MA 02135
Tel :  617-783-6360
FAX: 617-782-0136


 

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From: workplace-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:workplace-bounces at nifl.gov] On
Behalf Of Pat Sawyer
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:17 PM
To: The Workplace Literacy Discussion List
Subject: [Workplace 1515] Responding to Maria's posting


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 <mailto:psc3 at psu.edu>  
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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