This document summarizes a workshop on teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) with limited resources. The objectives were to share low-cost and free teaching resources and methods that maximize learning. ESOL students face pressures like needing English for independence and citizenship requirements. ESOL providers face pressures from reduced funding and students wanting value. The workshop discussed the "pyramid of learning" theory that retention rates are highest with active learning methods like practice and teaching others compared to passive methods like lectures. Attendees then shared effective low-cost resources and teaching ideas for inclusion on the workshop organizer's website.

1. NATECLA
ESOL on a Shoestring
19th October 2013

2. Objectives:
• to explore very cheap and free
resources to facilitate ESOL teaching on a
budget, sharing best practice
• to discuss teaching methods which
maximise learning rates

3. Pressures on students:
• urgent need for English to enable
independence
• Citizenship: increased requirements

4. •
•
•
•
Pressures on providers
Credit-based funding
ILPs – reduction
Fees – students need value for money
Our future

5. Teaching methods and retention rates
The Pyramid of Learning

6. Teaching methods and retention rates
Task:
Match the delivery method to the
percentage rate of how much learning is
retained
You have 5 minutes!

7. Percentage retained Method
5%
10%
20%
30%
50%
75%
90%

8. Percentage retained Method
5%
10%
20%
30%
50%
75%
90%
Lecture

9. Percentage retained Method
5%
Lecture
10%
Reading
20%
30%
50%
75%
90%

10. Percentage retained Method
5%
Lecture
10%
Reading
20%
Audio visual
30%
50%
75%
90%

11. Percentage retained Method
5%
Lecture
10%
Reading
20%
Audio visual
30%
Demonstration
50%
75%
90%

12. Percentage retained Method
5%
Lecture
10%
Reading
20%
Audio visual
30%
Demonstration
50%
Discussion group
75%
90%

13. Percentage retained Method
5%
Lecture
10%
Reading
20%
Audio visual
30%
Demonstration
50%
Discussion group
75%
Practice by doing
90%

14. Percentage retained Method
5%
Lecture
10%
Reading
20%
Audio visual
30%
Demonstration
50%
Discussion group
75%
Practice by doing
90%
Teaching others

15. Pyramid of learning

16. A couple of questions…
• What is a resource?
• What is a good resource?
1 minute to discuss!

17. A couple of questions…
• What is a resource?
Anything!

18. A couple of questions…
• What is a good resource?
Enables and stimulates a specific learning
point, in a particular context
Enables differentiation of level/learning
style

19. Discuss together an effective cheap/free
resource, concept or activity you would like
to share.
Write up on flip chart paper.
Include your names and organisation on the
top to be credited!
10 minutes

20. Top tips:

21. Top tips:
• Students are your best resource

22. Top tips:
• Students are your best resource
• Think local

23. Top tips:
• Students are your best resource
• Think local
• Realia

24. ‘Free’ worksheets
• Not free!
• Not conducive to effective teaching and
learning

25. Thank you for your contributions
They will all be shared on the NATECLA
website