1 / 8

ESOL Pathfinder

ESOL Pathfinder. Research Topic To investigate whether Language / Cultural Awareness training will enable frontline staff to deal more appropriately with a wide range of ESOL learners. Working with JobCentre Plus. Initial Objectives

libitha
Download Presentation

ESOL Pathfinder

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. ESOL Pathfinder Research Topic To investigate whether Language / Cultural Awareness training will enable frontline staff to deal more appropriately with a wide range of ESOL learners.

  2. Working with JobCentre Plus Initial Objectives • To identify issues and barriers faced by JCP staff when dealing with speakers of other languages • To offer focused language and cultural awareness training to frontline staff • To establish channels of communication between ESOL and JCP staff

  3. Aims of the Training Cultural Awareness • To raise awareness of the issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK • To dispel some of the myths relating to refugees and asylum seekers • To raise awareness of the needs of speakers of other languages • To consider cultural variables e.g. personal space, body language, behavioural ‘norms’ • To provide useful factual information regarding support organisations

  4. Aims of the Training Language Awareness • To raise awareness of issues involved in communicating with people whose first language is not English • To introduce some techniques for checking understanding • To reflect on cross-linguistic / cross-cultural communication • To consider the impact of ineffective communication on the customer and advisor

  5. Evaluation Advisors identified the following benefits: • Better understanding of the asylum process • Greater awareness of language and cultural issues • Realisation of barriers faced by second language speakers • Strategies for support in initial interviews • Knowledge of organisations offering support • ‘a great deal of information needed to carry out my job effectively’

  6. Evaluation Requests were made for: • Further sessions to include input from speakers of other languages • More information on cross-cultural issues • Establishment of mentoring programmes • Training for mentors • System to facilitate ongoing liaison between ESOL Tutors and JCP Advisors

  7. Immediate Outcomes • JCP advisors organised information sessions for ESOL students interested in forthcoming JCP posts • Customers needing short intensive English for Work courses identified by JCP • Focus group with customers to identify specific language needs • Course designed by ESOL Tutors and JCP staff • JCP advisors involved in ESOL residential course Preparation for Work • Action Plan drawn up for future collaborative work • Links with Ethnic Outreach workers established • JCP Basic Skills Managers attended ESOL providers meeting to clarify procedures

  8. Further Outcomes • 75% of JCP Advisors returning evaluation 6 months on identified longer term positive impact on their work • Triangular relationships established for Customer Support • Language and Cultural Awareness Training pack disseminated via national Pathfinders forum • Training was adapted and delivered to other college staff (DISC, library, Student Services, Customer Support, key teaching staff across the college and Business Training Staff)

More Related