The session was well organized and facilitated by the Casserly House staff. Sarah, a volunteer instructor and Casserly House Advisory Board Member, reflects with Adina Lang, training session leader and ESOL Program Engagement Administrator.
By Tim Wemple, Ignatian Volunteer Corps
On January 6, seven of our Casserly House volunteers kicked off the new year with an energizing and informative morning training session. The goal of the session was two-fold: to focus on key opportunities to enhance the language learning experience for immigrants and create a space of learning, enjoyment, and bonding among volunteers.
The energy was palpable as volunteers started the session with individuals sharing their appreciation for the opportunity to teach the adult learners and the gratification they experience as the adult learners advance in their work. The group pivoted to discussing different teaching techniques to address reading comprehension and conversation, different skill levels within a class, and sensitivity to literacy levels. The session ended with the volunteer instructors individually committing to one action step that could be implemented during the upcoming session.
Quite literally, our ESOL instruction could not happen without the ongoing commitment of our 16 volunteer instructors – weekly and substitute. Thank you, volunteers, for all you do for our adult learners and our immigrant community. If you want to learn more and consider being an ESOL volunteer, please message us.
At the end of the session, volunteers are writing their “takeaways”, including strategies for more creative use of flashcards, deeper focus on comprehension, and providing structured support to students as they learn new concepts.