Read the March 2024 VicTESOL eBulletin online now.
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And if you would like to subscribe to receive future updates please click here.
Read the February 2024 VicTESOL eBulletin online now.
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And if you would like to subscribe to receive future updates please click here.
Tensions in the Adult ELT Curriculum – Session 1
March 19 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Summary
In this presentation Dr Chris Corbel talked about how The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) evolved through three curriculum eras:
- Initially, the focus was on specific language structures.
- Later, the emphasis shifted to language proficiency.
- Currently, the AMEP emphasises language competencies.
These changes reflect broader shifts in language education. Compliance requirements have adapted accordingly, with a move toward outcomes-based models.
Recording
Resources
Unit 3 and Unit 4 Exams
March 12 from 4:00-5:00 pm
Summary
In this succinct presentation, Kellie Heintz from the VCAA clearly outlines all 3 sections of the VCE EAL exam through an exploration of the links between the Study Design, the examination tasks themselves and how key skills and knowledge are developed and assessed through in class activities and more formal school-based assessment. She identified key differences from the previous Study Design with regards to final exam questions for each of Sections A, B and C and the role that scaffolded, collaborative formal and informal assessment tasks focussed on specific speaking, reading and viewing, writing and listening skills can and should be explored.
This presentation is a must watch for all English and EAL teachers working not only across Units 3 & 4 as it offers explicit connections between the social elements of teaching and learning, the macro skills and how they can be tied to formal and informal assessment practices.
Recording
Resources
Read the December 2023 VicTESOL eBulletin online now.
Click here to read online.
And if you would like to subscribe to receive future updates please click here.
Read the November 2023 VicTESOL eBulletin online now.
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And if you would like to subscribe to receive future updates please click here.
Read the September 2023 VicTESOL eBulletin online now.
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And if you would like to subscribe to receive future updates please click here.
The VicTESOL Committee has notified ACTA of its decision to resign VicTESOL’s membership. The Committee has taken this difficult decision as the activities and requirements of ACTA membership are not in line with VicTESOL’s current resourcing priorities. VicTESOL will continue working hard for its members, responding to the needs of EAL teachers from all levels. We will also seek to maintain our relationships with other TESOL associations, state and national, to ensure continued collaboration, advocacy and resource sharing for the benefit of our VicTESOL members and the communities we serve.
2023 VicTESOL Symposium
Unpacking of Keynote and panel sessions
Facilitated by various VicTESOL Committee Members
Summary
Following the keynote video presentation and panel discussion, symposium participants broke into groups to unpack the ideas and concepts presented. This acted a teacher-sharing and networking session, facilitated by VicTESOL committee members, where participants worked in small, multi-sectorial groups to discuss their learnings and how this applied to their context.
Groups captured their discussion using a shared Padlet page, guided by the following questions:
1) Reflect on your own learning-to-teach experiences – what was the most memorable experience and why?
2) What do you see as the relationship between theory and practice?
3) Consider a memorable student you have taught in the past – describe what his/her learning ‘looked and felt’ like, and why?
4) How do you think professional learning has shaped or continues to shape your knowledge and practice?
5) How prepared were you for the classroom? What did you learn once you were a practicing teacher that you didn’t in your ITE?
6) How important are mentors and experienced colleagues to the development of you as a teacher?
7) What does a dialogic approach mean for you in your practice? Within/between schools/ different institutional settings/sectors?
8) Is the transition between ITE and the classroom different for different sectors – eg schools vs adult?
After the Padlet activity, the small groups then reported back to the facilitator and larger group, which enabled a rich discussion that drew on a wealth of experience and knowledge. It was a valuable opportunity to explore the formative experiences of everyone’s early teaching careers. VicTESOL extends their gratitude to the participants for sharing their expertise and experience and their contributions to this resource.
Resources
Meeting the needs of English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners in the VCE Vocational major and Victorian pathway certificate.
VicTESOL Symposium 2023.
Friday 13th October, 2023, The Academy of Teaching and Leadership
Presenter: Sarah Douglas, Leading Teacher: EAL/Literacy/Numeracy, River Nile School
Summary
This session introduced how schools can cater for EAL learners within the VCE vocational major (VM) and Victorian Pathway Certificate (VCP). Drawing from principles of applied learning and informed by VCAA EAL curriculum the session covered ways to effectively plan for EAL learners based on VCAA language levels. The session demonstrated both how language can be developed through the VM required units; Literacy or VCE English, VCE VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics, VCE VM Work Related Skills and VCE VM Personal Development Skills. This included focusing on key vocabulary required for each unit scaffolding text and language to support English language development and utilising principles of communicative language scaffolding. The session also unpacked the ways VM units can be designed to be culturally responsive to EAL learners such as including relevant topics for leaners cultural context including health, financial and civic literacy, and the use of authentic assessment tasks.
The session provided practical examples of how EAL learners can be catered for within the VM pathway and the ways in which teachers of VM can user understanding of learners’ language progression to inform units that support language development.
Resources
