Promoting education and achievement of adults learning English
Past CAL Presentations
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) 2011 Annual Convention and Exhibit
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center & Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel
March 16 - 19, 2011
New Orleans, LA
Visit the convention website.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Differentiated Instruction Made Easy for Adult English Language Learners(Preconvention Institute)
Presenters will discuss and provide opportunities to practice a variety of practical applications for differentiated instruction in multilevel classrooms with adult English language learners.
First, we will examine multiple tools for needs assessment of learners including initial surveys and goal setting, content assessment, and exiting needs assessment. Teachers will practice choosing appropriate tools for different situations.
Second, presenters will demonstrate strategies for cooperative learning such as grouping techniques including whole-group, small-group, pair work, and independent study. Presenters will also outline options in individual and group role assignments. Finally, we will investigate resource management of shared and individual materials. Teachers will apply this new information in setting up cooperative activities during the PCI. Presenters will reflect on the outcomes of the tasks and adapt them as needed for their classes.
Third, teachers will identify learner differences using prepared scenarios, choose instructional activities to assist specific learners in moving beyond individual challenges, and generate their own activities to address in their classes.
Finally, teachers will have an opportunity to practice planning lessons for multilevel classes. Using a format of their choice, teachers will outline a lesson and work in groups to identify enhancements that reflect practices learned in differentiated instruction. They will share their work with the whole group, and a format will be provided for continued sharing after lessons are tested in classes.
Presenters: Sharon McKay and Miriam Burt
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Convention Center - 216
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Foundations of Adult English Language Acquisition (Preconvention Institute)
This workshop is designed for teachers and trainers to connect classroom practice with research on how adults learn languages. Participants compare first and second language acquisition theories, consider the implications of the interaction hypothesis in the adult ESL classroom, and examine the impact that learner characteristics have on language acquisition.
Presenter: Sarah Young
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Convention Center - 204
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Student Talk: Applying Effective Techniques to Improve Oral Proficiency
Active learner participation is a critical element to improving oral proficiency skills. However, most teachers lack the practical experience and proper tools to develop productive “student talk” opportunities in the classroom. The presenters demonstrate practical techniques for developing oral language proficiency.
Presenters include Daniel Lieberson
7:30 - 8:15 am
Hilton - Grand Salon 18
Writing Reflectively About Teaching in an International Community
Reflective writing allows teachers to examine their instructional practice and learn throughout their professional lives. This presentation describes forms of reflective writing used by members of an international community of teachers and researchers, research used to examine growth in learning, and development of community over time.
Presenters: Joy Peyton and Philip Quirke
10:00 - 10:45 am
Hilton - Fountain
Resources for Strengthening Professional Quality in Adult ESL Instruction
Effective professional development is systematic, ongoing, and addresses the needs of practitioners. Presenters share free online resources, including teacher training materials, instructional and assessment tools, and cultural orientation materials through an interactive approach that guides participants to develop a personalized professional development plan to improve their adult ESL practice.
Presenters: Miriam Burt and Sarah Young
1:00 - 1:45 pm
Convention Center - 212
Download the presentation
(1.75 MB)
Professional Development for Experienced Teachers of Adult ESL
Experienced teachers of adult ESL often have access to fewer opportunities for professional development. How do experienced teachers differ from novice teachers? What professional development models can help meet their unique needs? We explore innovative approaches that teachers and administrators can implement individually or within a program.
Presenter: Sharon McKay
2:00 – 2:45 pm
Convention Center - R04
Implementing Evidence-Based, Student-Centered Instructional Practices
Teachers and program administrators are attempting to implement instructional practices that are evidence-based. What does “evidence-based” mean, and what instructional practices are supported by evidence? This session addresses these questions and suggests ways that adult education teachers can determine if their practices are evidence-based in study circles.
Presenters: Joy Peyton and Miriam Burt
3:00 - 3:45 pm
Hilton - Grand Salon 18
Friday, March 18, 2011
Understanding Cultural Diversity Through the Power of Video
The presenter will demonstrate the use of Connecting Diverse Cultures, CAL’s new facilitator’s guide to its Refugee Families & Youth DVD. These resources provide effective and flexible tools to build greater cultural awareness and understanding in K-12 and adult education contexts.
Presenter: Dani Abrams
1:00 - 1:45 pm
Convention Center 203
Download the presentation
(1.02 MB)
Learn more about Connecting Diverse Cultures: A Video Guide for A New Day and Be Who You Are.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Preparing Learners for Workforce Success: Models, Challenges, and Benefits
This presentation addresses workforce-readiness instruction in three venues: workplace, vocational, and adult ESL classes. Topics include essential components, evidence-based promising practices, strengths and challenges of each program, resources, and issues facing the field. Participants work in small groups or individually to plan for their classes or programs.
Presenters include Miriam Burt
10:00 – 11:45 am
Hilton- Magnolia
Developing Oral English Proficiency in Adults
Conversational English requires the ability to communicate in a variety of contexts. The presenters share insights from second language acquisition research to develop and implement level-appropriate speaking and listening activities for adults learning English. Participants gain a deeper understanding of oral language proficiency through the lens of communicative language teaching.
Presenters: Bryan Woerner and Sarah Young
3:00 – 3:45 pm
Convention Center – 210
Return to CAL's list of past presentations.