Community Learning Groups (CLGs)

Designed to bring introductory English instruction to areas in Montgomery County. 




Recognizing the many competing priorities of adult learners and potential barriers preventing them from taking classes, MCAEL’s Community Learning Groups (CLG) model is one which is designed to bring introductory English instruction to where the learners are in targeted areas in Montgomery County. 

 

The model builds on already existing social ties to assist participants become more comfortable with learning English in a classroom (or virtual classroom) setting while providing them with information on community-based classes in the county and other learning resources. 

At the same time, these CLGs serve as an opportunity for potential new instructors to be trained in adult ESOL instruction and to try out teaching English under the supervision of an experienced lead teacher.  An important component of MCAEL’s Strategic Plan, MCAEL seeks to increase diversity among adult ESOL instructors by reaching out to individuals who were/are English language learners themselves or are children of English language learners.  

 

If you are an organization that would like to learn more about CLGs, click here.    



If you are interested in becoming an instructor, please complete this form.

Key elements of the program:

Class Information

Working closely with community-based organizations, MCAEL identifies learning groups of 8-10 individuals, ideally centered on already existing social ties (such as parents at a school, members of the same faith organization) in targeted geographic areas and/or communities that have relatively fewer adult ESOL programs and classes.

 Each CLG meets once a week for 2 hours for 9 weeks, during which individual learners learn about and are referred to other existing (in-person and online) classes in the area, and/or online resources they can use to continue their study.

InterCambio’s new Confidence and Connections curriculum (C&C) is used. C&C’s emphasis on building community among learners, daily living skills focus, and emphasis on all four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening), fits in well with MCAEL’s objectives.

Participants of each CLG are pre-tested - the level of the class will be determined by the average scores of participants. Those who do not place in the group are assisted with a referral to other classes or another CLG group. 

Instructor Information

CLG instructors are recruited from among community members, with the help of local organizations. 

All new CLG instructors must participate in training and orientation facilitated by the CLG Lead Instructor that includes: adult learning principles, learner-centered teaching techniques, online teaching strategies, intro to the Confidence and Connections curriculum, and opportunities to practice teaching. 

After the training, the CLG Lead Instructor continues to provide individual guidance and supervision to trainee instructors. CLG instructors can participate in additional on-going professional development opportunities offered by MCAEL.  

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