Your Name and Title:
Susan Jacques Pierson
Assistant Professor of Education
School or Organization Name:
Cabrini College
Co-Presenter Name(s):
Allison Gardner
Jin Lee
Area of the World from Which You Will Present:
United States
Language in Which You Will Present:
English
Target Audience(s): Teachers of English Language Learners
Short Session Description (one line):
The presenters will share how using task-based, computer mediated teaching for ESL facilitates language proficiency while promoting cultural awareness and fostering global friendships.
Full Session Description (as long as you would like):
We will present results of our collaborative work with adult English Language Learners and share engaging, computer -mediated activities designed to improve language proficiency while promoting cultural awareness and encouraging global competency.
For the past 7 months, an undergraduate student majoring in Education and her academic advisor, who is also an ESL teacher and coordinator of a graduate ESL program, have been immersed in teaching English as a Second Language to adults, through a non-profit, community based organization. We have developed and implemented personalized language activities enhanced through the use of technology, including laptops, tablet computers and smart phones. Reading, writing, listening and speaking are practiced through participation in collaborative, learner-centered projects.
We will discuss the rationale for this approach and include a brief literature review. Next we will share a very successful thematic unit entitled:
My Homeland. As part of this unit, learners completed online “quizzes” created using an amazing, free, web-based resource (eslvideo.com), created narrated slideshows, and composed personal narratives and various forms of poetry that were also shared in the form of podcasts.
Effective ESL teachers quickly learn they are not only instructors, but also students of culture. We believe teachers of adult learners have a critical responsibility to facilitate the development of both oral and written language skills in a culturally responsive manner, while establishing and nurturing caring communities. One of our students, Jin Lee, will co-present with us, sharing examples of her work and also discussing how our task-based, personalized, and technology enhanced lessons have affected her motivation and progress.
Our session will not only provide us with an opportunity to share our story, but also engender a conversation concerning best practices in both teaching and reaching adult learners of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session:
teachersusan.com/GlobalESL
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