TESOL Trainers Explores Language, Literacy, and Learning with Literacy Program Directors

Feb. 4, 2013 - PRLog -- TESOL Trainers recently completed a workshop for the New Mexico Coalition for Literacy in Santa Fe, new Mexico during a conference with all Literacy Program Directors.

“This workshop had two objectives,” said John Kongsvik, the Director of TESOL Trainers.  “The first was to give the participants a real language learning experience.   The second was to unpack the experience and how it related to their goals.”

Using the West African language, Bambara, John Kongsvik taught the participants to count from 1-5 and using their knowledge of numbers to interact with other students in meaningful ways.  "The idea was to give them a real experience with the challenges adult learners face and strategies to overcome them," said John Kongsvik from TESOL Trainers.

A reflective session followed the 'shock' language experience.  When asked how they felt, the participants had varied comments.  "I felt overwhelmed," said one program direction.  "It was exhilirating," said another director.  "I have a new appreciation for what our students go through," summarized Donna Arragon, the Professional Development Coordinator for the NMCL.

Throughout the discussion, the program directors looked at the challenges adult learners face when learning English/literacy and the strategies for overcoming them.  "An adult learner faces a lot of challenges to return to academia but there are a lot of strategies that we can use." said one participant as she summarized her experiences.

By the end of the workshop, all participants expressed their greatest learning from the experience and how that would affect their programs.

"It's just like Caleb Gattegno said," explained John Kongsvik.  "Only awareness is educable."

For more information about how you can bring these practical, effective, and experiential programs to your institution please contact John R. Kongsvik (http://www.tesoltrainers.com/contact.php), the Director of TESOL Trainers:  http://www.tesoltrainers.com.