1. ESL Tutoring: Training Module
February 13, 2017

2. Your Experiences, Your Impact
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
Discuss how important tutors are. Emphasize that some of our clients have attended or are attending formal ESL classes and that they are not expected to be teachers, only tutors. Really make the attendees realize that even though they may not be confident in their abilities, they have the ability to make a really great impact in the lives of their students.

3. Among Adult Populations
Literacy Rates
Among Adult Populations
Provide background on literacy around the world, specifically in the areas where the majority of our clients are from so that tutors can have somewhat of an idea of what they can expect. There are clients who are literate in their native language with some English background, others who need to work on their literacy skills, and some who are pre-literate, meaning that they aren’t literate in their own language --much less English. For these reasons, we connect our clients with Tutors who can provide literacy support and/or be conversational partners

4. Tips to Remember For your success as an ESL Tutor.
For your student’s success as an English Language Learner.
Now, we’ll offer some guidance as to how you can best come into your role as a tutor. We’ll walk you through taking the first few steps and some strategies that will help you along the way.

5. Approaching your first meeting
Introduce Yourself!
Talk About:
Educational Background
Areas of Interest
Set Goals
Introduce yourself to get a better idea of their language skills. This might be awkward at first, but be patient and try changing your phrases if you sense confusion on the student’s part. Mention that this is when they want to discuss how often they will be meeting and when that will be. The Tutor should come to the first meeting with their availability already in mind. Ask about the education, or lack thereof, received in their country.Talk about what their interests are, what their goals are in this country, what they expect from you. Set goals by asking what they want help with the most, speaking, writing, reading . Talk about building up rather than down (don’t ask what the highest level of education?)

6. Four Areas of Focus Reading Speaking Writing Listening
Use relevant material: newspapers, magazines, books, advertisements, etc.
Speaking
Practice, practice, practice!
Provide high-interest engagement
Writing
Write a daily journal, help get them familiar with filling out forms, writing s, etc.
Listening
Use online resources, watch movies (with subtitles), listen to music

7. You are here to:

8. Bridging Cultural Gaps: Boosting Cultural Awareness:
Learn about the student’s culture, customs, and traditions
Appreciate and respect their values
Boosting Cultural Awareness:
Discuss current events
Discuss relevant social/cultural topics with the student
Building Confidence:
Offer more praise than criticism
Reflect on overall improvement

9. Promoting Good Study Habits: Fostering Independent Learning:
Decreasing Shame:
Build a rapport
Offer respect
Provide constructive criticism
Promoting Good Study Habits:
Promote/facilitate:
Flashcards
Personal Dictionaries
Graphic Organizers
Fostering Independent Learning:
Support problem- solving!
Allow for flexibility, do not micromanage

10. Do’s and Dont’s Do speak slowly and clearly
Do use visuals, gestures, and intonation to simplify concepts
Do check for understanding regularly
Do promote a safe, healthy learning environment
Don’t speak too fast or speak LOUDER for comprehension
Don’t rely solely on a textbook
Don’t just ask if they have questions
Don’t pressure the student or rush through concepts

11. Resources For You! English Page - weekly lessons, tutorials
ESL Lounge - varying levels of grammar w/ tests - mobile app
Real-English - listening/comprehension videos and exercises
(creating a graphic that lists resources --something we can also print out)

12. Closing Remarks
Questions
Thank you