When we think of "foreign" language learning, English is seldom the first thought. Even though learning English as a non-primary language is exceptionally common, it is often a silent yet severe challenge that learners have to grapple with. This is especially true in a North American context, where communicating in English is presumed and expected, the stress of which may add to the already existing barriers that English learners are likely to encounter. As Open Education hopes to have a wider scope in accessibility and serve a greater number of people in an equitable way, it can make a real difference for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners—whether it be through interactivity, collaboration, sense of community, or simply in that it is available without a paywall. Consequently, good ESOL education is imperative in this day and age for all English learners. In this pursuit, there are some open practitioners who have paved the way.
In this session, Pressbooks' Customer Success Manager, Amy Song, speaks with a seasoned open practitioner who has created many English language learning OERs. They discuss the considerations necessary when teaching English, how to bring work to fruition, the importance of Open, approach to pedagogy, and guidance to those who are looking for insight and consultation while creating ESOL OERs.
By attending this session, attendees will be able to:- Appraise the technical requirements for creating language learning open textbooks
- Apply techniques described by ESOL teachers to their own pedagogical practices
