This workshop is for participants who are new to the role of Volunteer ESL Tutor. It will orient participants to their role, to the needs of their adult ESL learners, and to relevant materials available online. Participants will learn to design thematic or task based lessons that address learner interests and needs while providing language input, opportunities to practice language skills, and feedback.

2 hours

Are you interested in enhancing your ability to help newcomers integrate into Canadian society? This workshop aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to assist immigrants settling into Canada. Key objectives covered in this workshop include: understanding immigration in Canada, adjustment stages and factors influencing adjustment, post-migration challenges, community resources and tips for effective support.   

2 hours

Task-based teaching is the leading ESL methodology today. In this workshop, participants will gain an understanding of what task-based teaching is, how it works in practical terms, and why it is important in the context of the Canadian Language Benchmarks. They will explore the benefits of task-based teaching for both learners and instructors, identify useful resources, and create and practise a task-based lesson for their own learners.

2 hours

Teachers and tutors never know who will walk through their doors. Everyone Is Welcome! explores one more element of diversity in our ESL classrooms: the different ways our brains are wired. This workshop will provide an overview of autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and learning disabilities.

Part 1 in 3 Part Series
1.5 hours

In this workshop, participants consider the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in a gender-inclusive classroom. It will explore the differences between sex and gender and focus heavily on the explanations of gender identity. It acknowledges and celebrates the diversity that exists within the social constructs of gender within a Canadian context. The workshop then explores best practices for a gender-inclusive learning environment and the development of those practices within the learners’ own environment and contexts.   

2 hours

A learner may not be making progress, but why? Is it because they never had the chance to go to school and are just now learning to read and write? Is it trauma? Or is it just language development? Is it stress? Or is it a learning disability? This workshop will explore common challenges for learners and provide effective teaching strategies to help all of them progress.

Part 2 in 3 Part Series
1.5 hours

Learning English is difficult. How much more challenging is it when you have a learning disability! This workshop will discuss strategies to help your learners read and write. Although these strategies are designed for individuals with learning disabilities, all learners can benefit from a fresh approach to reading and writing.

Part 3 in 3 Part Series
1.5 hours

This workshop is for instructors, tutors, and program staff who work directly with numeracy learners. In this workshop, participants will learn to use the modules effectively with their learners in one-on-one and small group settings. You will also explore ways of using the module assessments as a learning tool.

2 hours