English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language is a program of instruction designed for adults who are limited English proficient and whose primary language is not English. Training workshops for teachers are available at the Arkansas Adult Learning Resource Center.

ESL Basics: An Overview for ESL Teachers

Teachers in the ESL classroom have many questions about appropriate teaching methods, materials, and classroom management. Day 1 of this three-day workshop will cover principles of language learning and teaching, assessing learner's needs, and ESL lesson planning. Days 2 and 3 will cover techniques and materials for teaching listening, speaking, reading, and writing at various levels. Participants will become familiar with many ESL materials. Between the sessions, participants will observe an ESL classroom and practice designing an ESL lesson plan.

Participants will learn to:

Identify the factors that affect second language learning
Design an effective ESL needs assessment
Identify the NRS levels of adult language learners
Identify the differences between structural and communicative language teaching
Identify the four stages of an effective ESL lesson plan

Participants will learn to:

Select and use appropriate ESL materials for teaching listening and speaking skills
Plan ESL listening and speaking lessons
Use dialogs to help students develop speaking skills

Participants will learn to:

Use various grouping strategies to help students practice conversational skills
Select appropriate ESL materials for teaching reading and writing skills and use them successfully
Plan ESL reading and writing activities
Identify professional development and career opportunities for adult ESL instructors

This workshop is appropriate for both new and experienced ESL teachers. Participants are expected to attend all three days of the workshop and will receive 18 hours of professional development.

ESL Summer Institute

The Institute is a 4-5 day intensive training for ESL instructors. Keith Folse, Sharron Bassano, Laurel Pollard, Kevin Keating, and Gail Weinstein have been among the presenters for the Institute.