All posts by Kevin Drager

Restore Public Funding to English as a Second Language Training

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Since last summer the Vancouver Community College Faculty Association (FPSE Local 15) and the students at VCC have been campaigning to force the BC Liberal government to continue financing an important English training program that the government plans to axe on December 17th. Over the last several decades, each academic year has seen some 5,700 new Canadians, many recent immigrants, and others already citizens, receive English language skill upgrades from some 150 top-level ESL teachers. The government’s cutting of funding will leave no place for the students to go, and will result in the layoff of 150 top English teaching professionals.

The ETEA is in strong support of our colleagues at VCC and all other public sector institutions that are affected by the loss of funding. The language training programs at VCC are standard bearers for all of us who work in language training. If the BC government wants to ensure the principles of quality within the private education sector, it falls on it to set the example of what quality means. This does not happen by removing funding and losing quality programs. This happens by maintaining quality programs such as the ones at VCC, which serve as an example for the rest of the industry to strive for. ETEA adds our voice to call on the government to restore funding for post-secondary English as a Second Language programs.

New ETEA President

What's New

Kevin Drager was voted the new President of ETEA at the last annual general meeting in May. Kevin brings a wealth of leadership and experience to the ETEA from his work at Local 6 (KGIC) and on the organizing committee. Kevin has a clear vision moving forward in 2014-2015: to consolidate and strengthen ETEA after its recent fast growth with the addition of locals 8, 9 and 10. Kevin won the election in ETEA’s first ever contested election for President.

Upcoming Round Table Discussions and Social Event on October 30th at the YWCA

What's New

On October 30th the ETEA will host a series of round table discussions and a social for ESL teachers from across Vancouver.  The event will run from 3:45 to 7:00 pm at the YWCA (535 Hornby Street) in Welch Room 1, on the fourth floor.  All ESL teachers in the public, non-profit and private sectors are invited to attend and take part in discussions and enjoy some food and beverages.  Where is the ESL industry going and how will this affect teachers?  Can ESL teaching be a long-term career or will we always be stuck with part-time and temporary work?  Do teachers have the working conditions they need to deliver high quality education?  These are some of the questions that will be discussed.  We look forward to seeing you there.

ETEA Supports VCC Teachers at Board of Governors’ Meeting

What's New

ETEA members came out to support Vancouver Community College teachers and students at the VCC board of governors’ meeting on September 24th.  With dozens of vital ESL programs for immigrants and refugees and 70 good union jobs facing elimination in December the ESL Matters campaign sought to delay the board’s vote on the matter until after meeting with the provincial government again to pressure it to restore funding.  There were many moving testimonials presented to the board but the most powerful came from students who spoke of how these programs made them feel like full members of the community and gave them opportunities to pursue their dreams.  ETEA will continue to support the ESL matters campaign and our brothers and sisters in the VCC Faculty Association (FPSE Local 15).

7 Factors that May Affect Your Students’ Pronunciation

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Students’ Ages

As an ESL teacher you’ve probably already noticed the difference between teaching young learners and adults. The younger your students are, the easier it is for them to acquire an accurate pronunciation – and it becomes increasingly difficult as they age as the brain’s original plasticity diminishes, and it becomes more rigid.
Now that said, this does not mean adult students should give up trying to improve their pronunciation. It just means they have to work harder. If you teach adult ESL learners, be ready to plan and devote some of your class time to targeted pronunciation practice.

Learners’ Attitudes

Research and studies consistently show that ESL students with a positive attitude towards learning English learn faster. By the same token, students who are genuinely open-minded and interested in improving their pronunciation often do improve it. It is truly amazing what the right attitude can do.
On the other hand, students who have prejudices or a natural dislike for English will be less successful than those with a positive attitude and open mind. If you have students who are openly negative or complain about the English language, try to have a nice long chat to address these issues. Before you can help students overcome their pronunciation barriers, you’ll need to help them overcome these others barriers first. Continue reading 7 Factors that May Affect Your Students’ Pronunciation →