How do you know which of your employees need a beginning ESL class? Typically, potential participants of a beginning ESL class do not have the necessary English skills if they:
- Do not make an attempt to communicate to the GM / Supervisor / Coworkers in English
- Haven’t completed the 2nd grade in the U.S. or their country
- Possess only a few vocabulary words in English
- Have worked less than 6 months at the company
A candidates that is a good fit for a beginning ESL class typically:
- Is shy / not confident of their ability (although they may possess good speaking skills)
- Knows a number of vocabulary words in English
- Have problems “getting their point across” although they can do it occasionally
- Is reluctant to speak with customers but will be able to communicate some ideas to their GM / Supervisor
- Needs to work at company 6+ months
- Can make simple requests but can’t elaborate / give many details
- Is able to fill out personal information on a application – name, phone, address …
- Wants to take the class / has aspirations of advancement within the organization (have a bilingual coworker elicit some of this information)
- Would have completed any grade between 2nd and 8th in the U.S. or in their country
It’s also important that participants in a beginning ESL class aren’t too advanced for the course content. Individuals that would benefit from a more advanced ESL class typically:
- Speak “choppy” English and would have an accent but could “get their point across”
- Not have any difficulty completely filling out any simple forms
- Be able to explain roles & responsibilities of various positions in a simple fashion
- Have completed 8th grade or above in the U.S. or in their own country