TESL Ontario’s Magazine for Language Teachers
Applying the Four Strands Framework in LINC classrooms
Teaching the foundation: Reflections from a LINC practicum experience
During my three-week teaching practicum in Ottawa, I had the unique opportunity to work with LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) Foundation 1 level students. The experience was both challenging and eye-opening, as it required adapting to the needs of learners who had little to…
The magic of rapport in language teaching: A review of rapport-building strategies from in-person to virtual classrooms
One of the indispensable elements of education in general, and language teaching in particular, is building good rapport in the classroom. A classroom with strong rapport promotes a learning environment through friendly relationships, trust, respect, and mental engagement between the teacher and students, as well as among students. Senior (2006) stated that the rapport teachers develop…
Best practices for online or blended teaching
Background of the project
The delivery of instruction through an online platform is becoming more popular every year. While students are taking advantage of the convenience provided by online instruction, their teachers are grappling with how to engage students and approximate more closely the ambiance of a traditional classroom, which is still the most familiar…
Exploring code-switching in Persian-English bilingual children: Lessons for language educators
Abstract
Code-switching, a common phenomenon among bilinguals, serves as a strategic tool for effective communication rather than a reflection of linguistic inadequacy. This article examines code-switching among Persian-English bilingual children during storytelling, shedding light on its triggers, cultural implications, and relevance to language education. By leveraging findings from qualitative research, it offers practical strategies for…
The linguistic competition and other sports
Fencing
The linguistic competition is what I like to refer to as fencing. The first round of fencing commences, and you are speared by the sword of your competitor. That sword is the primary language and the secondary language. In this case, English represents your sword that failed to draw in time. Your opponent…
Navigating language and life: Supporting immigrant learners in their ESL journey
I came to Canada in June 2022 as an immigrant because of the conflict in Ukraine, so I know directly how difficult it is to start over in a new country. I currently teach English as an additional language (EAL) to adult immigrants at ISANS, mostly dealing with students at Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels 1…
Spotlight — Kurt Strachan
Kurt, thank you for taking the time to tell us more about the multi-faceted work you do. But to start, who would you say Kurt Strachan is?
Well first, I want to thank you again Nicola for reaching out and inviting me to join you in this discussion. I really appreciate this opportunity to share…
Is AI the future of language Education?
Introduction
The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is rapidly evolving, positioning itself as a transformative force with immense potential to shape teaching and learning practices. Just as calculators and computers revolutionized mathematics and science, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools are poised to become integral to writing and other aspects of education (Meakin, 2024).
The…
From traditional to transformative: The evolution of HyFlex at Caledon Community Services
In the spring of 2020, as the world reeled from the rapid shift to online learning, Caledon Community Services (CCS) embarked on a journey to redefine its approach to language education for newcomers. What began as an urgent response to a global crisis evolved into the HyFlex model—a sustainable, flexible, and inclusive learning framework. This paper…
Enhancing ESL learners’ productive vocabulary through multimedia solutions
*Please see PDF for any images.
Abstract
This qualitative embedded case study aims to examine how applying multimedia theories in online courses can enhance vocabulary acquisition, retention, and production among adult English as a Second Language (ESL) learners at a non-profit organization in Ontario, Canada. Guided by Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML), the…
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of online and in-person ESL/EFL classes
Introduction
With the rise of digital communication and remote learning, online classes for English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) have become more popular for accessibility and flexibility. Since 2016, the online English learning market has tripled in size, with an estimate of 17.87% growth between 2023 and 2028 (Technavio, n.d.). The COVID-19 pandemic…
Building bridges: Reimagining adult literacy and language education
*Please see PDF for any images.
When I started teaching an adult literacy and language classroom in a small community centre, I was not prepared for the tensions and joys specific to working with adult literacy learners (ALLs). These learners were not a culturally, linguistically, or educationally homogenous group. They differed in languages, goals, cultural knowledge,…
