English Language Learning and Adult Literacy (Module 5)

In my volunteer work with ESL (English as a Second Language) students I have experienced such multifaceted growth.  When I began to pursue this Masters in Adult Learning and Training, it became such a natural pairing and each experience has greatly enhanced the other.  It is so easy to see the needs of the adult learner as described in the principles of andragogy in the people I encounter in my volunteering.  I am privileged to have met many goal oriented, self directed people with a variety of life experiences who were looking for someone to guide them through practical experiences to improve their English language ability.  My work as an adult student myself has helped my work with other adult students.

This idea of the ESL teacher as an adult student is mentioned in this week's readings and something I have experienced for myself as well.  A passion for lifelong learning is essential for the ESL teacher as there is so much to learn about each student's culture, life experience, and approach to learning.  Creativity in planning experiential learning activities and a willingness to use technology also requires the ESL teacher to continue her own learning process.  I think this is part of what has made this whole journey so fascinating and why I will continue to learn and teach in this context of English as a Second Language.