ERIC Number: ED359807
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1993
Pages: 11
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Teaching Literacy to Second Language Learners.
Darville, Richard
The teaching of literacy, primarily to second language learners, in the Vancouver, British Columbia, Municipal Workplace Language Training Program is examined. The program arose out of reports to the city's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program about language difficulties among workers who couldn't pass tests required for promotion or permanent appointment or workers who had difficulty conveying written/oral messages, legal documents, or job orders. EEO's leeway for experimentation allowed for the Workplace Language Training program's learner-centered teaching approach and emphasis on open discussion. The teaching is active, based on an understanding of the importance of extended periods of spoken and written language use, and of the interplay of language learning with the experience of immigration. Students are led to useful attitudes and practices and away from self-restrictive ones. Examples of the classroom learner-centered approach are cited, including some from student writing assignments. This program is viewed as a model on collaboration in workplace literacy because the EEO and the Canadian Union of Public Employees have come together as partners with a shared intention to develop a program that can be made available to other employers and employees. Contains 7 references. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education) (LB)
Descriptors: Adult Literacy, English (Second Language), Foreign Countries, Government Employees, Immigrants, Job Skills, Language Proficiency, Learner Controlled Instruction, Limited English Speaking, Literacy Education, Oral Language, Second Language Instruction, Unions, Workplace Literacy, Written Language
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada (Vancouver)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A