Foundations for Adult ESOL Instruction is MCAEL's Online Instructor Training Course

This course introduces the theories, skills and techniques used in the adult ESOL class and provides a foundation for teaching English to adult learners. In response to participant feedback, instructor preferences and the current online teaching environment, a new course was developed to meet instructor needs. This course is designed for:  

• Instructors new to the field of teaching English to adult speakers of other languages 
• Teaching assistants 
• Volunteers 
• Individuals considering entering the field of adult ESOL 

Foundations for Adult ESOL Instruction is constantly evolving to provide instructors with current and relevant research-based instructional strategies and resources. Student-centered learning and engagement are a fundamental part of this training.  

Foundations for adult ESOL Instruction is a blended learning online course that will be offered in cohorts for a duration of four weeks. Participants meet for a pre course meeting via Zoom with the facilitator for their synchronous portion and work asynchronously to complete the modules hosted on MCAEL’s Learning Management System, Talent LMS. 

The course consists of five modules:  

• Introduction to Adult ESOL 
• Strategies to Increase Learner Motivation and Engagement 
• Assessment 
• Lesson Planning 
• Online learning and teaching 

Each module contains videos, short exercises, and discussion questions.  At the end of each module there is a quiz worth five points so learners can test their comprehension. Participants are also given the opportunity to design a lesson plan which they submit to the course facilitator for feedback and are also encouraged to present at the post meeting with their peers for feedback. Upon completion of all five modules and passing quiz scores, a certificate of completion is awarded. 

• Attendance at pre-course meeting: February 26, 2025  |  12:00pm or 5:30pm. Meeting length: 45-60 minutes.
• Learners can work at their own pace. However, each module has a discussion board and participants are asked to respond by a specific date.
• Approximate time to complete: 10—15 hours. Upon completion of the course, a certificate of completion will be awarded.

Registration Opens: January 29, 2025 

Next session: February 26 - March 26, 2025

Contact:instructor@mcael.org

A special thank you & acknowledgement to the following contributors for the development of the online course:

Alex Galen, Montgomery College AELG Program 

Andy Lawrence, Montgomery College AELG Program, LADO 

Ahu Moser, LCMC  

Alexandra Villamizar, LCMC 

Megan Dry, Sheppard Pratt -Thriving Germantown Community Hub

Paul Bermingham, The Briggs Center for Faith and Action  

Elise Couper

Instructional Designer, Jessica Wabler 

Instructional  Design Manager, Christine Neil