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santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

Can anyone share some wisdom for a TESL student preparing to start her practicum next week? I will be teaching an upper intermediate class in Canada as part of multicultural services (these learners don't qualify for LINC or ELSA). It's an interesting class. All the learners are parents of international students, are fairly wealthy, and aren't working while they are here on 1-2 year visas. They are mostly mothers from Taiwan and mainland China and will be going back after their children are finished. Most have university degrees.

Most of my research and lesson planning has revolved around children and beginner-level refugees! I'm just looking for some helpful advice! It might be a very tough crowd!

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Start out strict, then easy up. Don't talk too fast. But then don't talk down to them.

Asian leaners usually can read and right very well. They need to practise listening and speaking. Even if they have perfect Englsih, they'll say that they are bad, Don't agree with them, compliment them and encourage them.

One more thing, give lots of homework. I'm serious, Asians like homework and the parents of my students always complain that I give too little (I currently teach Asians in Lima)

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I confess that I have no clue what LINC and ELSA are... (I'm not Canadian.) What sort of class is it? Are they getting credit for it? Is it an evening class? Offhand, I'd say to give them lots of speaking/listening activities centered around situations that they may find themselves in--maybe interacting with their children's teachers, learning their way around the town, etc. And cultural tidbits--proper forms of greetings, acceptable questions to ask strangers, etc.

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naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

LINC and ELSA are basic classes for immigrants in Canadian. I didn't know either.

Going on the cultural thing, tell them that asking how old you are, how much you weight, why you don't have children, and how much money you make are big no-nos.

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

Thanks so much for the replies! LINC (called ELSA here in British Columbia) is a government-based program for new immigrants and refugees (from zero English to basic life skills). It generally runs Monday to Friday for 6-8 hours and is free. It's pretty neat!

My class will be students who pay for the classes and it is partially-funded by the government. These are people who can afford to put their kids in school in Canada and stay here for years without working.

Thanks for the tips, homework sounds good! Luckily, I get to observe my supervisor for a week before I jump in. I especially like the idea about interacting with their kid's teachers! Thank you!

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

Do as your supervisor does initially; when comfortable find your own groove. Does your supervisor evaluate you on your practicum?

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

One of the keys attributes your supervisor will be looking for in you as a teacher is the ability and willingness to take direction and learn from peers/colleagues/supervisors. Do not make the mistake that some student teachers make and alienate your supervisor by not valuing his/her skill, knowledge and abilities. Sounds like you are still a student and your first job is to pass.