Research: Instructional Approaches
Research on Adult Learning Theory are listed in Reports and Articles under More Resources.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files. To download a free copy, please visit the Adobe web site. Adolescent Learners in Adult ESL Classes
S. Young, Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA), 2005
For practitioners and educational researchers focusing on adolescents in secondary or adult education programs, this brief includes descriptions of the adolescent ELL population, their reasons for entering adult education programs, and the importance of addressing their needs. It also discusses how teachers can prepare to serve these adolescents, what strategies and supports are needed, and how older and younger learners can be integrated within one classroom.
http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/briefs/adolescent.html Adult English Language Instruction in the 21st Century
Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA) and Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), 2003
Describes English language instruction in the U.S. and how it relates to the broader national education system. Also identifies trends and issues in program design, instructional practice, assessments, teacher training and professional development, integration of research and practice, and technology.
Download/view: PDF (145KB) The Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA) Network
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), CAELA helps state staff, teachers, and administrators build their capacity to promote English language learning and strengthen the academic achievement of adults learning English. Site provides research studies, instructional curricula, language acquisition resources, tools for professional developers, statistics and data, information about technical assistance opportunities, and more. For teachers, administrators, students, and researchers, offers a resource database of more than 100 ESL documents that can be searched and downloaded.
http://www.cal.org/caelanetwork/ English as a Second Language in Volunteer-Based Programs
P. Schlusberg and T. Mueller, ERIC Digest (ED385172), 1995
Examines various facets of volunteer-based EL instruction, including who provides it, what is taught, how instructors are trained, and the pros and cons of this kind of instruction.
http://www.ericdigests.org/1996-1/english.htm English Literacy and Civics Education for Adult Learners
Special Policy Update M. Tolbert, National Institute for Literacy (NIFL), 2001
Overview of English Literacy and civics education in the United States, describes the adult EL learner population and profiles successful practices for English literacy and civics instruction. Assessment and professional development tools are included. Full text is available for download at
Download/view: PDF (702KB) ESL Instruction and Adults with Learning Disabilities
R. Schwarz and L. Terrill, ERIC Digest (ED443298), 2000
Reviews past research on second language learners and learning disabilities, provides guidelines for identifying EL adult learners who may have a learning disability, and suggests effective techniques for instruction and professional development.
http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/digests/LD2.html Instruction and Assessment for Limited-English-Proficient Adult Learners
R. Solorzano, National Center on Adult Literacy (NCAL), 1994
Introduces alternative methods for adult EL instruction and assessment that integrate writing skills, cultural experiences, and life skills. Focuses on literacy rather than oral proficiency in second language acquisition.
Download/view: PDF (942KB) Issues in Teaching Speaking Skills to Adult ESOL Learners
K. Bailey, in J. Comings, B. Garner, and C. Smith (Eds.), Review of Adult Learning and Literacy, Vol. 6, 2006
Chapter examines speaking instruction for non-academic adult ESOL learners, refugees, documented and undocumented immigrants, and permanent residents. Compares and contrasts spoken language and written language, describes instructional methods and tools for teaching and assessing speaking skills, and notes promising curricular developments, such as content-based instruction and workplace ESOL. Also makes recommendations for policy and practice.
http://www.ncsall.net/?id=859 The Language of Opportunity: Expanding Employment Prospects for Adults with Limited English Skills
H. Spruck Wrigley, E. Richter, K. Martinson, H. Kubo, and J. Strawn, The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), 2003
Describes the demographics and economic circumstances of low-income adults with limited English proficiency, as well as language and job training services available to them. Also offers recommendations for creating high-quality education and training services for adults with limited English skills.
http://www.ecs.org/html/Document.asp?chouseid=5872 Research Agenda for Adult ESL
Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA), National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL), and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), 1998
Addresses unanswered questions about the adult English language learner, program design, teacher preparation, instruction, and assessment. Incorporates feedback from learners, instructors, program administrators, policymakers, and researchers. The report has three major purposes: to provide funders with clear priorities; to provide researchers with support for proposing specific projects; and to provide a focus for discussion about how to improve adult EL programs.
Download/view: PDF (347KB) | HTML What's New? Reaching Working Adults with English for Speakers of Other Languages Instruction (ESOL): Best Practices Report
Center for Impact Research, 2002
Examines two approaches, distance learning and workplace literacy, to reach working immigrants who want to learn English. Identifies barriers to implementing both approaches and offers recommendations for overcoming those barriers.
Download/view: PDF (104KB) | HTML Workplace ESL Instruction: Interviews from the Field
M. Burt, Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), 1997
Based on interviews with 18 workplace EL providers, this report examines the following five models of service-provider partnerships: workplace-education, workplace-union, workplace-private contractors, workplace-EL, and workplace-community-based organization. Also identifies trends, challenges, and issues facing the field.
http://literacynet.org/eslwp/home.html |
