On March 15, 2024, adult ESOL educators, from throughout Montgomery County, convened for an exciting day of thought-provoking conversation, hands-on exploration, and practical strategies for enhancing learner-centered instruction.
See workshop resources and our conference photo gallery below.
Workshop Information
For a full description of each workshop and workshop resources, please select the corresponding drop down.
Sessions 1
Mindset First: How to Prepare Your Students for Job Interviews
Mindset First: How to Prepare Your Students for Job Interviews
Mike Pina, Volunteer Career Coach, Washington English Center
Description:
More than 90% of job seekers say job Interviews make them nervous; now imagine if English is not your first language. The job interview setting can be intimidating for English language learners because it demands strong communication skills, confidence, and the ability to articulate thoughts clearly under pressure. Explore tips to help students develop a positive mindset that reframes fears and insecurities as strengths and opportunities.
Using Mini-Projects to Extend Learning into the “Real World”
Using Mini-Projects to Extend Learning into the “Real World”
Tessa Ambridge, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Solutions in Hometown Connections
Description:
Project-based learning is an effective way to support learning outcomes and boost learner motivation in English proficiency classes at every level. In this session, you’ll learn how to devise a mini-project that is relevant to learning needs and outcomes, accessible to the students, and immediately applicable to learners’ real lives and goals.
Koffee with Kathy and Rudi: The Adult ESOL System in Montgomery County
Koffee with Kathy and Rudi: The Adult ESOL System in Montgomery County
Kathy Stevens, Executive Director,MCAEL and Rudi Jeung, Director of Programs,MCAEL
Description:
The adult ESOL system includes a variety of people, programs and services that support English learners to reach their individual goals. MCAEL’s mission is to strengthen this system as a whole, so that more county residents can gain access to English instruction, as well as strengthening the learning environment in the classroom so it is most conducive for progress toward these goals. In this interactive session with Kathy and Rudi, we will discuss what the system currently looks like, the importance of centering learners in this system, and ways we can continue to improve how we do this.
Sessions 2
Empowering Adult ESOL Learners Using the STAR Method to Navigate Job Applications and Interviews
Empowering Adult ESOL Learners Using the STAR Method to Navigate Job Applications and Interviews
Jenny Hodges, Montgomery College, College and Career Coach
Description:
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) is a powerful tool for addressing the challenges faced by adult ESOL learners in job applications and interviews. You will explore practical classroom activities and strategies that leverage the STAR method. This method will enhance language proficiency and boost confidence while preparing learners to successfully communicate about their job skills and experiences.
Using Popular Music Lyrics to Help with Reading
Using Popular Music Lyrics to Help with Reading
Scott Schneider, Instructor, IMPACT Silver Spring
Description:
Music is “the universal language” yet it’s an often under-utilized instrument for teaching and learning. Explore how to use song lyrics as a tool for providing relevant reading material for learners, including: the benefits and limitations of using songs, how to select songs for your learners, and a process for incorporating songs into your reading lessons.
Preserving Your Most Precious Resource: Best Practices for ESOL Teacher Retention
Preserving Your Most Precious Resource: Best Practices for ESOL Teacher Retention
Anna DeNicolo, DeNicolo Consulting
Description:
What motivates ESOL instructors to stay with programs and what factors promote job satisfaction? In this session for program administrators, you will learn and share successful practices for increasing teacher retention. Program leaders will evaluate their program’s current teacher retention practices and develop a plan to implement new best practices. Although this session is for program administrators, instructors who wish to share their firsthand perspectives on teacher retention are welcome to attend.
Sessions 3
Let's Become More Digitally Resilient
Let's Become More Digitally Resilient
Jamie Harris, Digital Skills Senior Technical Advisor, World Education
Description:
Digital skills, literacy, and resilience are necessary for everyone to thrive. In this session, you will explore opportunities to develop the digital resilience of your learners by learning about and developing an edtech (educational technology) routine. You will also explore Digital Resilience in the American Workforce (DRAW) resources that support practitioners' development of digital skills, literacy, and resilience.
Open the Door to Speaking Confidence with the Color Vowel Approach
Open the Door to Speaking Confidence with the Color Vowel® Approach
Karen Taylor, Color Vowel co-author & Co-Founder of English Language Training Solutions
Description:
Students can spend years learning English yet still feel helpless speaking English. What's missing? A way for learners to know they’re likely to be understood. Through this experiential demonstration of the Color Vowel® Approach, you’ll gain understanding of how spoken English really works. Using the strategies and principles illustrated in this session, learn to use simple gestures and key words to help learners develop clearer pronunciation and speak with more confidence.
Fishbowl Session: Learner Goals and Feedback
Fishbowl Session: Learner Goals and Feedback
Rudi Jeung, Director of Programs, Kayla Savoy, Digital Communications Specialist, MCAEL and MCAEL Coalition Partners
Description:
At the core of learner-centered instruction lies understanding learner needs and goals.
In this interactive session, we invite program managers and instructors to discuss their strategies for gathering learner feedback and how they incorporate this feedback into their programs and classrooms. Come prepared to share your thoughts and gain valuable insights through this collaborative fishbowl process.
Bonus Content!
Listening to Our Learners
Listening to Our Learners
Key Takeaways from MCAEL's 2024 Professional Development Conference
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Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL)
9210 Corporate Blvd., Suite 480
Rockville, MD 20850
P: 301-881-1338
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MCAEL is a member of local, state and regional professional and business organizations that support English literacy and nonprofits in Montgomery County.
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