Community ESOL REPORT
A new approach to teaching English through ethnic minority community centres with the aim of increasing capacity for successful ESL learning in Hillingdon
Download the Community ESOL report (PDF, 53 pages)
In the current political climate, the lack of English language is being cited as a possible cause of social divisions between different sections of multi-cultural British society. ESOL departments in areas which contain a large non-English speaking population are likely to come under pressure to solve that aspect of the problem, and to increase capacity despite a shortage of ESOL teachers. As CELTA training courses at FE Colleges across London expand to meet demand, more inexperienced teachers are taking up positions. ESOL coordinators in Hillingdon and Hounslow have expressed an interest in the development of additional resources and support materials to assist inexperienced teachers.
As a region with a high ethnic minority population, West London is looking for innovative ways of increasing capacity in ESOL learning. Classes are now offered through schools to relatives of pupils; this type of provision is both successful and expanding. Community-based learning is another way forward, and this project has been set up to investigate the potential for increasing capacity by working in partnership with ethnic minority community groups.
Curriculum Research and Development
Prompted by the introduction of the new National Curriculum for ESOL and quality controls demanded by funding bodies, this project will make proposals to assist learning providers in meeting new targets. HAE has supported the curriculum research and development, based on the pilot study of a new community-based learning programme delivered by Hillingdon Adult Education to the Hillingdon Chinese Community Organisation.
Resources for ESL teachers
Resources have been produced for the use of ESOL teachers in the preparation and delivery of their classes. They are published on this website. The notes may assist new teachers, and the classroom materials and worksheets have been welcomed by more experienced teachers, too. A number of worksheets have been described in detail to help less experienced teachers to exploit the materials fully.
The scheme of Work for Community ESOL can be adapted for use in other ESOL courses. All materials have been developed through trials in response to the needs of the pilot study group, without reference to existing course materials.
