In this demonstration, presenters describe the California Adult ESL Model Standards revision process initiated by the State Adult Education Office in April 2000. They demonstrate the content and performance standard development process created by a focus group of key field representatives and share a project progress update. ESOL teachers who have used EFF as the basis of teaching, learning, and assessing lead the interactive workshop. The purpose of this demonstration is to give ESL teachers a hands-on method of using Internet sites to teach survival skills and financial savvy. Our goal is to develop lesson plans and exercises using a school-developed Web site with hot links specifically designed for staff and students.
Presenters provide an overview of the research process.
Participants view the web site forum, discuss issues, pose questions, and suggest alternative solutions. The presenters provide evidence of the disruption that L1 culture causes adults learning in the L2 classroom. They describe how teaching specific learning strategies can speed adult refugee student learning. Five specific interventions and behavior modifications found to help students to participate constructively in classroom-based learning are practiced. Suggestions for changes are elicited from participants.