PDA: ESOL Literacies: Teaching Adult Reading, Writing and Numeracy

People new to Scotland who need to learn how to read and write English will benefit from a new qualification for teachers of English for adult speakers of other languages (ESOL) launched by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

The Glasgow ESOL Forum developed the award with support from Scottish Executive agency Communities Scotland through its Learning Connections team, and Glasgow Community Learning Strategy Partnership.

The ESOL Literacies: Teaching Adults Reading, Writing and Numeracy professional development award has been designed for qualified ESOL teachers. It is an important step towards increasing the professionalism of those who teach English to non-native speakers. It also fits well with the Executive's commitment to developing a national strategy for ESOL learning and teaching in Scotland.

In 2003 the Glasgow ESOL Forum carried out nationwide analysis into training needs, which showed a significant need and desire for dedicated teacher training for ESOL teachers for adults. Many experienced teachers of ESOL said that they still felt unprepared to teach at beginner literacy level and would welcome the opportunity of training.

Lillias Noble, head of Learning Connections at Communities Scotland, the Executive's housing and regeneration agency, said: “The Scottish Executive recognises the vital contribution that new Scots and settled minority ethnic communities make to our society and to the labour market. By further developing the professionalism of our teachers of ESOL we are directly supporting new Scots, particularly those who are most disadvantaged due to limited understanding of written and spoken English.”

Eunice Robertson, project manager from Glasgow ESOL forum, added: “The Glasgow ESOL Forum identified the gap in training and started the development of this new award. I am delighted by the warm reception which this new qualification has received from people in the field.”

Funding to support the creation and development of this award was provided by the Scottish Executive, via the Glasgow Community Learning Strategy Partnership and the Learning Connections team in Communities Scotland, who each contributed £40,000 to support the development of the qualification.

The development team consisted of representatives from further education, higher education, adult literacy and Learning Connections.

A comprehensive pack has been developed which can be used to deliver the training. Copies of the Training Pack (paper and CD-ROM formats) will be available to SQA accredited centres from Learning Connections, on a strictly non-commercial basis.

FURTHER INFORMATION

1. The qualification has been validated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Further details can be found on the SQA website at www.sqa.org.uk/files/hn/DDM0E35.pdf or on this website at http://esoltest.gcg.ac.uk/files/DDMOE35.pdf. Any SQA-approved centre will be able to offer the personal development award. SQA approved centres should contact SQA, 1 Cadogan Square, Glasgow G2 7HF, Margaret.Tierney@sqa.org.uk.

2. Course outline

The award comprises a single unit with four outcomes. Course elements include:

• conducting initial interviews; assessments; developing individual learning plans and programmes of work
• teaching the skills of reading, writing and numeracy to learners who may or may not have literacies skills in their native, or other, language
• teaching mixed level literacies classes
• using ICT (information and communications technology)
• the social practices approach and encouraging critical awareness in learners supporting specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia.

If you would like to request a PDA Training Pack or need further information, please contact Learning Connections at the following addresses:

Learning Connections , Highlander House, 58 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 Tel. 0141 305 4155 e-mail: clare.elazebbi@communitiesscotland.gsi.gov.uk (Clare El Azebbi)

Useful links:

Validated Document
Consultation Document
The New and the Old
2000 Glasgow ESOL Survey
PDA News March 2005