CONTACT | Reading
Prioritizing deliberate reading to maximize SL learners’ vocabulary gain: An example of teaching formulaic language
In the context of second language (SL) acquisition, studies on the benefits of teaching vocabulary through reading have yielded significant outcomes, sparking debates over the most effective methods for vocabulary acquisition. Some studies argue that incidental learning helps SL learners acquire the form-meaning connection, as they are exposed to substantial input through reading and listening (Nation & Webb, 2017). Still,…
See it, feel it, move it, read it: Reading with all your senses for adult EAL learners
*Refer to PDF for images
Introduction
Ahmed was a highly motivated upper literacy student with fewer than six years’ education in his first language. He had good attendance and a positive attitude about school and learning. His speaking and listening skills were strong, and he communicated effectively. At the time, Ahmed was employed at a local pizza…
Individualized program plans for adult ESL literacy learners
*For all footnotes, refer to the PDF version of the article.
Abstract
Adult ESL literacy teachers are often perplexed when instructing pre-, non-, and semi-literate adult ESL learners due to their L1 literacy level, age, and possibly traumatic experiences. Classroom instruction and assessment should be carefully planned and strategically implemented because of the underlying financial and…
Highlighting highlighters: A simple but effective ESL literacy teaching technique
Abstract
This Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) funded adult ESL Literacy Project of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board is in the midst of piloting a new delivery model of adult ESL Literacy instruction based on the 2016 ESL for Adult Literacy Learners (ESL for ALL) document. The Literacy Researcher guided four team…
Split storytelling: One technique for enhancing the “joyful” factor in the classroom
In The Courage to Teach, Palmer (2007) writes, “I am a teacher at heart, and there are moments in the classroom when I can hardly hold the joy… But at other moments, the classroom is so lifeless or painful or confused—and I am so powerless to do anything about it—that my claim to be a teacher seems a…
Lessons from Western’s symposium on teaching and learning vocabulary in another language
A one-day symposium on Teaching and Learning Vocabulary in Another Language was held at the University of Western Ontario on Friday 21st October 2016. Leading scholars and key researchers in the field of vocabulary studies discussed a wide range of second language (L2) vocabulary-related topics including (1) vocabulary learning through reading, (2) captioning and word learning, (3) corpus-based studies, and…
