Atlantic Education International Summer Institute 2015 Creating Language Learners by Colleen Meagher-Allen, Geoff North, and Erica Thomas July 2015 Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

1. Creating Language Learners
University of New Brunswick
English Language Programme, Fredericton, N.B., Canada
Professional Development July 2015
Delivered by:
Colleen Meagher-Alkan
Geoff North
Erica Thomas

2. The Language Learning Process
• What is language ?
• What is learning ?
• How do we learn ?

3. Considerations
• Recognize that there are differences between
first language and second language learners.
• Build understanding and empathy with the
differences associated with language learning.
• Adapt curricula to the students’ language needs.

4. The Art of Beginning
• Start your day in an English way.
– Word for the day, thought for the day, warm ups, etc.
• Create a language learning space.
• What is language proficiency and how
do the students “fit in”?

5. Common European Framework Reference
Global Scale
Chinese version / Version chinoise : 欧洲语言共同参考框架：学习、教学、评估, Foreign Language Teaching and Research
Press, Beijing, 2008, ISBN : 978-7-5600-8032-1 – www.fltrp.com
English Version / Version anglaise : Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment -
Cambridge University Press
ISBN : HB 0521803136 - PB 0521005310 www.uk.cambridge.org/elt
Proficient
C2
• Can summarize information from different spoken and written
sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent
presentations.
C1
• Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex
subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns and
connectors
Independent
B2
• Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete
and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her
field of specialization
B1
• Can understand the main points of clear standard input on
familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure,
etc.
Basic
A2 • Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple
and direct exchange of information on familiar routine matters.
A1 • Can interact in a simple way provided the person talks slowly and
clearly and prepared to help

6. Exploring the Multi-Level Classroom
Output:
Writing:
Outcome: “Students will be expected to use a range of strategies to develop
writing and other ways of representing, and to enhance clarity,
precision, and effectiveness.” (P. 38 Atlantic Canada English Language Arts Curriculum High School)

7. Exploring the Multi-Level Classroom
Output:
Speaking:
Outcome: “Students will be expected to speak and listen, to explore, extend,
clarify and reflect on their thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences”.
(P. 102 Atlantic Canada English Language Arts Curriculum High School)

8. Exploring the Multi-Level Classroom
Input:
Listening:
Outcome: “Students will be able to respond to a wide range of complex questions
and directions”. (P. 30 Atlantic Canada English Language Arts Curriculum High School)

9. Exploring the Multi-Level Classroom
Input:
Reading:
Outcome: “Students will be expected to select, read and view with understanding
a literature, information, media and visual texts.” (P. 108 Atlantic Canada English
Language Arts Curriculum High School)

10. Integrating Language Skills
• Helps students to develop their reading, writing, listening and
speaking skills.
• Allows for well rounded development of the student.
• Common approaches:
i. Content-based instruction (CBI) - Social Studies teaching
ii. Task-based instruction - Stand alone activity
iii. Project-based instruction - Includes culture and learning strategies

11. References
1. A variety of lesson plans
http://iteslj.org/Lessons
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/lesson-plans
2. Listening and Reading
http://www.cbc.ca/edmonton/learning-english
http://www.learner.org/resources/series71.html?pop=yes&pid=2577
3. ESL/ESOL Standards by skill
http://www.dllr.state.md.us/gedmd/cs/eslcsskill.pdf
4. Integrated Skills Sites
The ESL Study Hall - http://home.gwu.edu/~meloni/eslstudyhall
5. Elementary
http://www.scholastic.com/clifford/teachers.htm
http://www.harcourtschool.com/menus/preview/harcourt_language/goforgold.html
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development - https://www.gnb.ca/0000/anglophone-e.asp