Spotlight on ESOL

ESOL Fact Sheet - June 2008 - Northeast ABLE Resource Center (Word document)

Tips for Understanding Non-Native English Speaker (Word document)

Techniques for Intercultural Communications (Word document)

On Speaking and Cultural Terms Difficult Sounds Audio Program
(Java based web presentation)

*From ESOL Fact Sheet (May 2007)

What does ESOL mean?
What is an ABLE ESOL program?
How many ESOL students are there in Ohio?
Who are the Ohio ESOL students?
Why do adults take English classes?
What kinds of ESOL programs are there?
What approaches or methods are used to teach English?
What are the factors that influence second language learning?
Websites for ESOL Organizations
Sign up for TAPAS - Teaching and Professional Appetizers

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What does ESOL mean?

ESOL refers to English for Speakers of Other Languages. It is also known as English as a Second Language (ESL). Nationally, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is the fastest growing area of the adult basic education system. ESOL instruction is an important part of the adult education system in Ohio. Fifteen percent of students enrolled in adult education in Ohio are English language learners.

What is an ABLE ESOL program?

An ABLE ESOL program is based on principles of language acquisition which will prepare the individual for lifelong learning, participation in the family, the workforce and the community. Language acquisition incorporates cultural learning as well as the communication skills of listening and speaking, reading and writing. Grammar and language structure is taught only to support and/or supplement contextual language learning.

How many ESOL students are there in Ohio?

7,259 students were enrolled in ABLE English language classes during FY2007. Of those enrolled, 33% were enrolled in the lowest level, NRS Level 1 ESL Beginning Literacy.

Who are the Ohio ESOL students?

Countries of birth for ESOL students in Ohio that rank highest include Mexico, Somalia, China, Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Predominant languages include Spanish Russian, Somali, Chinese and Arabic.

Why do adults take English classes?

Adults enroll in English classes for many different reasons. Some want to improve their language skills to get jobs or to get better jobs, others want to be able to communicate with their child's teachers and to help their children with schoolwork, and others want to be able to function and communicate better in their communities.

What kinds of ESOL programs are there?

ESOL programs vary in focus. Some programs, especially those for recent arrivals, emphasize life skills and focus on improving listening and speaking abilities. Others stress vocational topics, citizenship or civics education, family literacy, or academic preparation. Programs vary in duration and intensity. Some programs meet once or twice a week for two or three hours; others meet for up to five hours each day. Programs also vary in how the classes are arranged. Some programs offer individual classes for every level while other programs may offer just one or two classes which accommodate all levels.

What approaches or methods are used to teach English?

There are a variety of approaches used to help adults learn to listen, speak, read and write in English. Theories on how a second language is acquired consider cognitive issues (how the brain processes information in general and language in particular), affective issues (how emotions factor into second language processing and learning), and linguistic issues (how learners interact with and internalize new language systems).

What are the factors that influence second language learning?

Motivation and success at second language learning are influenced by a variety of factors. Age, gender, personality type, learning style, cultural background, attitudes and beliefs, length of exposure to English, the effects of trauma and culture shock all can exert significant influence over the learner. In addition, other factors such as the need for childcare or the breaks from classes necessitated by work or family issues, have a significant effect on how quickly a language is learned.

Websites:

The Northeast ABLE Resource Center - www.neable.org

Ohio Department of Education - ABLE http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEPrimary.aspx?Page=2&TopicID=152&TopicRelationID=155

TESOL, the professional association for English language teachers in the world http://www.tesol.org

Ohio TESOL, the state professional development association - http://www.ohiotesol.org

The Center for Applied Linguistics, a non-profit organization which uses the findings of linguistics and related sciences in identifying and addressing language-related problems http://www.cal.org/

The National Institute for Literacy - www.nifl.gov

TAPAS - Teaching and Professional Appetizers

  Originating in Andalucia, Spain, tapas  refers to appetizers or snacks.  Tapas is a popular pastime in Spain known for its delicious cuisine and leisurely atmosphere.  Friends spend hours sharing Spanish delicacies and rich conversation.  The entire experiences encourages friendly interaction and a sense of community.  This is a unique experience you don't want to miss.

  TAPAS is also the name of our new online community.  The resource will provide small tidbits of information including updates and instructional resources for ESOL teachers to generate ideas and communication with the field.


  Interested teachers and staff can sign up for the email community at the link provided below.  Complete the form and click "Submit"

*Sign up for ESOL TAPAS - Teaching and Professional Resources!

Submit pictures and news about your students to: info@neable.org
*Privacy Disclaimer: Only pictures with students' signed permission will be published online.