Today we went to the Downtown Lansing Library for our Site Visit. Here we given a more in-depth run down of how our Wednesday ESL classes will look. The classes are split into two groups, higher and lower level. As mentioned in my last blog, I was placed with the higher level class. There are about four volunteers, one intern, and one lead teacher for each class. As my lead teacher tells, next week we will be giving/assessing placement tests that will depict which level is suggested. Once placed, generally the first portion of class will entail the lead teacher giving a lesson with the setting of clients sitting at tables and taking notes. Once this lesson is given, group discussion as well as one-on-one tutoring will begin. Lower level tutors are meant to use one-on-one time to help clients complete worksheets and understand the lesson. Higher level tutors are meant to also help in clarifying the lesson previously taught by the lead teacher, as well as provide extra individual practice in speaking English. Although the lead teacher is in charge of writing lesson plans and planning activities for this RDC program, I'd like to help out either by collaborating with her in creating a lesson plan, or compiling helpful resources in order to give the clients an opportunity to continue practicing their English outside of the classroom.
We also discussed more in depth about the topics covered in the orientation and also were given reminders regarding what is considered appropriate dress-wear and sensitive subjects to clients. I found it interesting that much of the rules in tutoring adult ESLs are so similar to classrooms of children: such as dress code, touching policy, sensitive topic avoidance and potential targets of trigger, and personal information.
I'm really looking forward to meeting the Adult ESL classroom members next week!
We also discussed more in depth about the topics covered in the orientation and also were given reminders regarding what is considered appropriate dress-wear and sensitive subjects to clients. I found it interesting that much of the rules in tutoring adult ESLs are so similar to classrooms of children: such as dress code, touching policy, sensitive topic avoidance and potential targets of trigger, and personal information.
I'm really looking forward to meeting the Adult ESL classroom members next week!