The Framework is an open-source online tool, a 360° View of Communicative Competence at Work. Designed by the Ontario Government the framework is a resource for foreign trained professionals to provide strategies, approaches, and areas for language development that support intercultural workplace communication. The tool does not come with a teacher's guide or classroom activities, but it can serve as a starting point for classroom conversations and independent study. The tool also includes a video and downloadable pdf.
This resource takes a considered approach to the topic of Blended Learning. It is organized in categories for the diverse needs of readers. For an organization moving to an e-learning model, it could inform planning, development and funding application rationales.
Note: Read the "Tips for Using This Bibliography" before starting.
This 300+ page compilation of resources for Adult EAL and LINC programming was prepared by and for Alberta Teachers of ESL. It includes resources categorized in the following ways: CLA and PBLA; Curriculum; Instruction; Learner Assessment; EAL literacy; Skills and Language for Work; Technology and Online Learning; Supporting Learners with Diverse Learning Needs; Indigenization; 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion, and Anti-Racism.
Each section begins with a statement of Best Practice followed by hyperlinked resources and references. While not annotated, the resources are listed under sub-headings that allow for a quick scan for relevant/desired material. Also included are vignettes, a glossary and an explanation of updated terminology.
The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is an American organization that bridges the academic world with applied language education. Projects and resources (some free) include language planning and policy, adult language instruction, testing and assessment, refugee and immigrant integration.
This resource is a validated assessment tool for exit tests that assess learning outcomes of adult ESL learners in intermediate to advanced levels, CLB 5-10. The tests cover three areas: employment, community and academic. It is available on order for $60 (plus HST).
Legal Aid Ontario provides legal assistance for low-income people living in Ontario. There are 73 community legal clinics across the province offering free advice and assistance for matters such as:
- Social assistance (Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program)
- Housing (rental issues, social housing matters)
- Human rights
- Workplace safety
- Employment, workers rights
- Consumer matters
- Education
- Elder law
The clinics are mandated to do community outreach and public legal education; lawyers will come into schools to provide information sessions.
The E-Learning Toolkit, developed by Bow Valley College, provides a collection of resources and information to assist administrators and ELL instructors to develop methods and strategies for using digital and online technology. The toolkit will be useful in planning, facilitating and evaluating online language learning, to foster engagement, accessibility and enhance communication.
The English Language Learning (ELL) Training Network was developed by CEIIA, Bow Valley College’s Centre for Excellence in Immigrant and Intercultural Advancement. Designed for ELL practitioners, the Network provides information, resources and tools for instructors, a resource finder, PD workshops and webinars, network for professional learning, blog posts and social media links.
The ESL Literacy Network was developed by CEIIA, Bow Valley College’s Centre for Excellence in Immigrant and Intercultural Advancement. Designed for ESL Literacy practitioners, the Network provides information, resources and tools for instructors, a resource finder, PD workshops and webinars, network for professional learning, blog posts and social media links.
For administrators, there are tools for program development, including a comprehensive program development guide, and a series on innovations in programming.
Learning for Life, is an excellent step-by-step manual for delivering literacy classes. Topics include:
- Program considerations
- Classroom strategies
- ESL Literacy levels (4)
- Materials
- Teaching ideas
- Literature review of ESL Literacy
- Annotated bibliography
- Webliography (30% links no longer available)
There is a strong need for program administrators and instructors to have professional development opportunities available to meet the needs of Literacy learner.
National Language Placement and Progression Guidelines clearly guides the placement of learners in classes. It is intended for language assessors, instructors and coordinators. The guidelines are clearly articulated and transparent. The guidelines are mandatory for all CIC-funded programs.
The Online Learner CLB Assessment is a tool that provides learners with a means to gauge their language proficiency by assessing reading and listening skills and assigning an unofficial CLB level. The tool creates an approximate benchmark range following the assessment. (The page also contains a breakdown of each CLB). The results are intended for personal information only. Teachers may find this tool useful as a classroom activity or an individual activity for a learner who is anxious to determine her/his progress in reading and listening. There is no cost for the assessment.
In this 2021 open access book from Cambridge University Press, the authors (Jason Cenoz and Durk Gorter) provide a comprehensive overview of how to apply pedagogical translanguaging in language and content classes. It explores the value of tapping into students' metalinguistic awareness and 'softens the boundaries' between the languages in student repertoires to enhance comprehension. It is a very helpful combination of both theory and practice which provides both the theoretical framework as well as specific pedagogical strategies and examples, such as how to assess student work when translanguaging has been used as a teaching/learning strategy.
Post TESL Certificate Training (PTCT) is specialized training for instructors to advance their knowledge and skills in high priority content areas such as materials development, technology in the classroom, language for the workplace, and higher level language training. PTCT is for all instructors who teach English as a second language to adults.
For information about admission requirements of PTCT courses and to sign up, you will need to contact the course providers directly or visit their websites.
PTCT course graduates who hold a valid TESL Ontario certificate of accreditation are eligible for the TESL Ontario Certificate of Achievement. To receive this certificate, contact TESL Ontario.
PLE Tip Sheets are resources for teachers and administrators to assist newcomers facing legal challenges. The tip sheets contain lists of reliable legal information sites and information on free or low-cost legal services. The documents can be printed to post in classrooms or hand out at workshops. The tip sheet titles are:
- Detecting legal problems
- Clues to reliable legal information
- Sources for online legal information
- Legal services in Ontario
- Hiring and working with a lawyer.
The goal of this resource (developed by BC TEAL and CLB aligned), is to support male students to discuss men's health issues and address barriers to physical and mental wellness in a safe environment.
The resource aims to draw on the knowledge and experiences of refugee men to facilitate access to health services, and address stigma around mental health issues, feelings of isolation, and cultural differences around expectations of men in home countries and Canada.
The document has four sections: Pathways to Wellness, Addressing Health Issues, Connecting to Community, Building Relationships. It includes a teacher's guide, lesson plans with clear illustrations. Lesson plan topics include: mental health, nutrition, talking to a doctor, male roles, and fatherhood.
The Settlement.org website provides information to newly arrived immigrants and refugees in Ontario. It lists common questions and answers with relevant links. The main headings are “First Days” and “Services Near Me.” Information is presented in Q & A format at an intermediate level of English. Topics covered include immigration and citizenship, housing, health, education, legal services, community and daily life. Information includes getting a driver’s licence, finding a doctor and dentist, the Canada Child Benefit, Employment Standards information, a guide to elementary and secondary schools.
The website information has been translated into 40 languages, plus there is a forum where users can have their specific questions answered. There is also a sidebar listing events by date.
SettlementAtWork is described as a knowledge hub for the settlement sector in the province. It contains an online listing of employment opportunities for those working with newcomers. There is also a wiki to share information and resources, a sector events page and RFPs (Requests for Proposals) for new projects in the settlement sector.
This resource informs practitioners, administrators and assessors of the priorities in each level of government. Managers and administrators would find it useful in short- and long-term planning.
This event occurs at the yearly provincial TESL conference and is open to managers and administrators.
Free access:
http://www.teslontario.net/publication/annual-panel
TESL Ontario's YouTube channel allows users to catch up on webinars, watch videos, and learn about new ideas for classroom activities. You can also share videos that have been helpful in your classroom. Here's an updated list of the webinars. Free access:
- Best Practices in Pronunciation Teaching
- Educational Technology: Remote Learning + Instruction Best Practices
- What's New in the Best Practices Directory in 2020
- Google Docs - GAFE Tools for ESL. 2017 (Jen Artan)
- Google Slides: G Suite Tools for ESL . 2017 (Anna Bartosik)
- Activities to Enhance Vocabulary Learning . 2017 (Cecilia Aponte-de-Hanna)
- Power Listening - Pre-Listening Strategies for Success. 2017 (Munjeera Phillips Jefford)
- Google Forms - Quizzes, Data Collection, and More. 2017 (Jen Artan)
- Digital Breakouts using Google Forms & Google Sites. 2017 (Jen Artan)
- The Best Practices Repository. 2018 (Judith Bond)
- An Inter-Culturally Sensitive Approach to Address ‘The Issue’ of Plagiarism. 2018 (Dr. Marlon Valencia)
- Understanding Pragmatics. 2018. (Jen Artan)
- Teaching Intercultural Awareness and Communication. 2018 (Yecid Ortega)
- Personalized Learning for Adult Language Learners. 2018 (Jen Artan and Nancy Van Dorp)
- SMDs in the Adult Language Learning Classroom (Small Mobile Devices). 2018 (Jen Artan)
- Project Based Learning. 2018 (Jen Artan)
- Task Based Language Teaching. 2019 (Leo Gomez and Michael Landry)
- Répertoire ontarien des pratiques exemplaires en matière de formation linguistique (FSL). 2019 (Simona Sunara)
- Using Reflection in the Language Learning Classroom. 2019 (Anna Bartosik)
- Digital Backchannels . 2019 (Jen Artan)
- Importance of Lesson Planning. 2019. (Jen Artan)
- Creating Assessments - Receptive vs Productive Skills. 2019 (Anna Bartosik)
- A critical look at Open Source Learning Management Systems 2020 (Jen Artan)
This document reports on research conducted with LINC students at Bow Valley and NorQuest Colleges in Alberta, exploring the effectiveness of LINC programs in meeting learners’ language needs as well as settlement and integration needs.
The 2010 edition of this Canadian ESL classic has updated research, plus teaching methods for developing language skills, with learner samples and illustrations. Chapters cover first days, placement and assessment and teaching content areas. Also contains anecdotes, case studies and lots of practical advice. Purchase online.
