Overview

In this two-hour Zoom session, participants will experience instructional routines that prompt conversations and discussions for English learners at all proficiency levels in the virtual classroom. They will consider the role of speaking strategies in effective communication and explore ways to provide direct instruction with those strategies. They will also explore ways to assess learners’ speaking progress using rubrics and checklists.

Please note: This course will take place in Blackboard where you will find all virtual session information, course materials, and additional resources. You cannot access the online course from the SABES website. You will receive an email with further instructions as the course date approaches.

    Audience

    This professional development activity/course is designed for:

  • ESOL teachers of all levels who are familiar with basic Zoom features
Description

One way to improve our online speaking skill instruction is to look at our best practices in our in-person classes. In this virtual session, teachers will experience instructional routines, such as interviews, round-robin activities, and problem-solving tasks, that prompt authentic conversations and discussions. Each routine contains opportunities for learners to demonstrate critical thinking, use academic language, and collaborate in knowledge building. Throughout the session, the presenter highlights the direct instruction using speaking strategies and demonstrates how rubrics and checklists quantify learners' speaking practice and help chart their progress.

This session is part of a series on language skills instruction in the virtual classroom. Sessions are offered on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. The other sessions in the series are:

  • Reading Minds – Nov. 2
  • Speak Up – Nov. 30
  • Listening In – Dec. 7
    Learning Objectives

    Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:

  • Use one or more of the session’s instructional routines with your English learners in the virtual classroom
  • Provide systematic and explicit practice in speaking strategies as part of a virtual classroom task

  • Adapt one-point rubrics or listening/speaking task checklists for your lessons
Presenter(s) / Facilitator(s)
Prerequisites

Participants should be familiar with the basic Zoom features.

Date
11/30/2022 - 2:00 pm to 11/30/2022 - 4:00 pm
Location

United States

PD Center
SABES English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Curriculum & Instruction PD Center
Topic Area
Digital Literacy
Distance and Blended Learning
ESOL/English Learners