Teaching Strategies for ESOL Volunteers

Abstract

A program to train volunteer teachers of English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) is described and evaluated. The program was designed to enrich skills for teaching listening, reading, and speaking, and increase volunteers' appreciation and understanding of the multicultural backgrounds of the students in one adult basic education center. The instructional skills component consisted of training in use of a computer program for students with reading disabilities. The multicultural component consisted of five workshops on these topics: multiculturalism in general; celebration of Christmas around the world in music and dance; Asian languages and cultures; Spanish language and cultures; and Portuguese culture. This report summarizes the two program components and results of pre- and post-tests of the volunteer trainees, provides data on the population served by the center, includes substantial bibliographies on the cultures treated in the program and documents and instructional materials used in program implementation. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)