Real Life English with Robin Schwarz

Increasing evidence from reasearch and programs all over the country shows that when adult education, including adult ESOL, grows out of what learners really want and need, particularly for their jobs:

• learners do better,
• teachers are satisfied
• and programs can boast of serving their populations well. 

In this day-long training, we will first revisit the notion of learner-led/learner-driven instruction and how that differs from traditional instruction that is “learner focused” or “learner centered”. 

Then we will study and practice planning ESOL instruction that is shaped by and responds to the actual needs in learners’ work and lives. 

The workshop will be one part of a larger training effort to help you move to this model through readings, discussions, webinars, and personal coaching.   You will be expected to do some preparation for the workshop and some follow-up activities to help you learn how to make learning for your learners relevant and powerful in their lives.  

Robin Lovrien-Schwarz, national ESOL consultant and trainer.  She leads HVCP's ESOL professional development group (ESOL PDG).