Volunteers essential to EAL

If you are a volunteer in an Adult EAL program or are interested in volunteering we welcome you! The Adult Language Training Branch is here to help with resource materials and regularly scheduled workshops.

Volunteer Manual: Learning Together (PDF)
Reading this manual is the place to start. It details the Manitoba Adult English as an Additional Language program and the role of the volunteer.

Workshops for volunteers

Anyone interested in volunteering in an Adult EAL program is strongly encouraged to attend the volunteer workshops held by the Adult Language Training Branch. Workshops begin in October.
View the fall-winter workshop schedule.

• Introduction to EAL: This highly recommended workshop examines characteristics of adult learners, the settlement process, the role of culture, language diversity and the roles of EAL volunteers. It is highly recommended for all volunteers working with adult immigrants.
  
  
• Canadian Language Benchmarks: Volunteers are introduced to Canada's system for measuring English skills. The workshop is also opportunity to learn more about the acquisition of English and a chance to pick up techniques for teaching speaking and listening.
  
  
• Reading and Writing: This workshop provides practical approaches to teaching reading and writing to learners with a wide range of literacy skills. Differences between native and non-native speaker literacy issues are discussed.
  
  
• Listening and Speaking: This workshop introduces participants to the goals of Adult EAL instruction. A variety of methods and activities for teaching and practising listening and speaking are explored.
  
  
• Language and Culture: In addition to grammar and spelling, language involves non-verbal clues - for example shaking hands, and opening and closing a conversation. Volunteers working in classrooms, one-on-one or with a language partner will find this workshop interesting and helpful.
  
  
• Conversation Circles: This workshop teaches volunteers some strategies for facilitating conversation circles in a way that maximizes listening and speaking time. Volunteers will learn strategies for facilitating these multi-level and multi-ethnic classes, where drop-ins are often welcome.
  
  
• Assisting Low-Level Literacy Learners: An experienced literacy instructor shows volunteers where and how to begin teaching literacy to learners who have no previous experience with reading and writing.
  
  
• Computer Assisted Language Learning:There are more than 12,600 websites listed at the TESL Journal website. This workshop helps you take advantage of online resources.

Resources
We recommend the following learning resources:

• ESL Tutor Training Manual (PDF)
  This authoritative manual is for novice teachers, tutors and volunteers. It takes learner-centred approach in covering methodologies and cross-cultural issues.
  
  
• National Adult Literacy Database
  The NALD website is a goldmine of EAL resources plus links, contacts and discussion groups.