Beyond Basics: Multilevel ESOL Classes
6 weeks | 24 hours
Most adult ESOL classes are multi-level in some respect; therefore, teachers of adult ESOL become experienced in teaching multilevel classes because. For example, students may come with different reading or speaking levels, different levels of home country education, differing lengths of time living in the U.S. In some programs, limited resources or program size may mean that native speakers and English language learners are in the same class. The multi-level nature of adult ESOL classes can be a benefit, not a detriment, to learning. But it can be challenging to manage as well.
This course is designed for teachers who want to tackle the challenges of teaching multilevel classes. It is for teachers who want to address the varied learning needs of individual students without planning individual lessons and burning out. It is for teachers who want to become highly effective multi-level classroom teachers by using strategies that work.
Through the online course format, you can learn at your own pace from the comfort and convenience of your own home or office. Facilitators, available to help you throughout the six-week course, lead you through the content and technical aspects of the course.
Each week’s lesson addresses a topic in adult education pertaining to multilevel ESOL instruction. Course activities include readings, videos, assignments, and discussions. The lessons are sequential.
Lessons and resources included in this course:
- Benefits and Challenges of a Multilevel Class and Building Community
- Shared Goals and Needs in a Multilevel Class
- Interactive Activities and Grouping Strategies
- Differentiated learning
- Multilevel Lesson Planning and Standards
- Reviewing Lesson Plans and Farewell
Completion of the course is designed to require a minimum of 24 hours of your time; approximately four hours a week. However, you may find that you want to spend longer with some topics.
In order to receive the certificate for participating in the Beyond Basics: Multilevel ESOL Classes training, you must complete all assignments, respond to each discussion question, and respond at least once to one of your classmates in any of the week’s discussion/assignment forums.
Remember that, although you will gain from doing the activities, you will learn most from discussions with your online colleagues and facilitator. To keep our discussions as productive as possible, you must stay within the timeframe outlined for this course.