A few months ago, we asked 230 teachers, class aides, and tutors what areas they would like additional training or support in. 136 instructors completed the survey (59% response rate) and their answers shape how we continue to curate professional learning resources.
Here are the top six areas they told us matter most, along with a sample of what we've pulled together in response.
Teaching in classrooms with varying levels of students
Multilevel classrooms are the norm in adult education, not the exception. Resources in this area address differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and practical strategies for engaging all learners.
- Differentiating ESOL Instruction: It’s not that different! (recorded webinar)
- Multilevel ESOL Webinar Series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) (self-paced courses; free signup)
- Working with a Multi-level Class (video of a real in-person class)
- UDL 101: That thing called ‘learner variability’ (article)
Teaching pronunciation
Pronunciation instruction is an area where many instructors feel underprepared. Our curated resources cover everything from word stress and vowel sounds to language-specific tips.
- Teaching Pronunciation Remotely for One or Many (recorded webinar)
- Pronunciation techniques (videos of in-person classes)
- Teaching Pronunciation with Confidence (free reference book for English language teachers)
We also curate resources that adult learners can use independently. We suggest previewing or exploring these together in class first, so learners can see the value and come with their own ideas for how to make use of them outside of class.
- Lessons on rhythm, stress, vowel sounds, and consonant sounds (videos)
- Accent’s Way English with Hadar (videos)
- Pure English Practice – live “workouts” on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Previous workouts are posted online.
Understanding how adults learn languages
Effective instruction is grounded in how language learning actually works. These resources draw on second language acquisition research and the science of learning to help instructors teach more intentionally.
- Slow Down, Shut Up, and Other Teaching Principles for New (and not so new) ESL Instructors (recorded webinar)
- 8 Fundamental Principles of Effective Adult English Language Instruction (recorded webinars and article)
- Small shifts, big gains: Leveraging input and interaction to accelerate learning (recorded webinar)
Technology integration for in-person teaching
Technology is most effective when it enhances, engages, and/or extends. Resources here help instructors think critically about when (not) to use technology to support learning goals.
- Triple E Framework for Technology Integration (recorded webinar)
- Using the Triple E Framework to Shape Technology Integration (article)
- Fusing Literacies through Content, Process & Product (recorded webinar)
- Digital Skills Made Easy: Two Must-Try Routines (article)
Teaching phonics and decoding skills for non-/semi-literate learners
Supporting learners who are new to reading and writing requires specialized approaches. Resources here address a structured literacy approach and instructional resources designed for adult emergent readers.
- abc English phonics training modules (self-paced training modules on the curriculum we use in our literacy-level classes for English learners)
- Engaging Online Instruction for Literacy Level ESOL (recorded webinar)
- Literacy Centre of Expertise’s Reading Skills Stories (instructional resource)
- ESL Story Bank (instructional resource)
Adapting curriculum/materials to student needs
No curriculum fits every class perfectly. These resources help instructors make thoughtful adaptations to available instructional materials to meet learners where they are.
- Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials (recorded training; free registration required.) And occasionally offered as a live webinar:
- Making It Work: Adapting Materials for Remote Teaching (recorded training; free registration required)
- Online teaching fundamentals (video series)
How we support our instructors
Professional learning doesn't happen in isolation. Beyond these curated resources, EEC supports instructors through class visits, weekly Instructor Chats, periodic Tutor Chats, and opportunities to observe each other. Instructors also have access to our Instructor Hub Google Site - an ever-evolving collection of professional learning resources organized around the topics that matter most in their classes.