Successful work-related instruction requires us to step
into the culture of the workplace as we prepare to deliver quality services.
This inventory is designed to help you gage your knowledge of workforce-related
topics and to identify areas in which professional development would
enhance instructional planning and delivery. Whether you are addressing
workforce-related topics in the traditional adult education classroom
or preparing to deliver instruction to a group of workers with specific
needs, it is important to develop a fundamental understanding of the
workplace and its culture. Please take a few minutes to thoughtfully
complete this inventory. A check in the “yes” column indicates
you feel you are sufficiently knowledgeable about the topic. A check
in the last column indicates a need for additional information.
Delivering Workforce/Workplace ESOL:
An Inventory for Program Directors
| Your
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities |
Yes |
|
- I am knowledgeable about my community’s labor
market/workforce needs and which companies hire English language
learners.
|
|
|
- The top two work-related priorities/concerns for
most employers are:
|
|
|
- I am familiar with local companies’ workplace
culture, the products/services they offer, and the nature of
employees’ jobs
|
|
|
- I understand the importance of competition and changes
in the labor market, issues of profitability, production deadlines,
quality control issues, and changes in the local population and
economics.
|
|
|
- I recognize that there may be differences between
employer and employee needs and expectations
|
|
|
- I have participated in a language task analysis (LTA)
to identify the language, literacy, and basic skills needed by
workers to successfully perform their job tasks.
|
|
|
- I have had the opportunity to participate in one
or more of the following: meeting with an employer; tour
of work facility; job shadowing; employer/employee interviews;
review of environmental print (work-related materials) and realia
(real-life objects, equipment, etc.).
|
|
|
- As an instructor, I know how to use the information
gathered in an LTA to plan and provide instruction responsive
to the workforce-related needs of English language learners
|
|
|
- I know how to maintain a balance between language
instruction and workforce skills development so that learners
improve their language proficiency and acquire workforce-related
skills.
|
|
|
- I have a good understanding of the work-related
language and basic skills needs of learners in my current, traditional
ESL classes.
|
|
|
- I know how to simplify, adapt, and incorporate work-related
materials into instruction.
|
|
|
- I am familiar with industry standards and the competencies
needed in the workplace.
|
|
|
- I have a fairly good understanding of the kinds
of language, critical thinking, and employment readiness skills
needed in the workplace.
|
|
|
- I am familiar with a variety of instructional models
for delivering ESL using work-related content.
|
|
|
- I know how to disseminate information about employees’ proficiencies/progress
while protecting their rights to privacy.
|
|
|
- I am familiar with alternative assessments activities
that can capture changes in a learner’s work-related performance/behavior.
|
|
|
- If asked to teach in the workplace, I would be willing
to teach at unusual hours, in unconventional settings, adjust
instruction to learners’ changing work-related needs, and
develop learning activities to simulate job-related processes
and situations.
|
|
|
- If given the opportunity, I would welcome the opportunity
to learn to integrate ESL instruction with occupational training
in order to bridge the gap between AE and post secondary education
and training.
|
|
|
Adult
Ed in Texas |
Even Start in Texas |
State Initiatives |
Texas Workforce
Partnerships