English as a Second Language - ESL
By Eva
Dlouhy
Photo
by: Eva Dlouhy
I know how hard and difficult it is to leave your own country,
settle in a new place and environment, and learn a new language
as I, too, came here as an immigrant more than 20 years ago with
my husband and then three year old son from the former
Czechoslovakia, where we escaped communism.
Not knowing much English, I was pleased to have the opportunity
to learn the language once I arrived in London. At that time,
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes were offered at
Fanshawe College, in a few churches, and at libraries. There
were also evening programs offered at a few public schools.
After finishing my course in
ESL at Fanshawe College, I was eager to learn more and I
continued studying through ESL programs in
local libraries,
attending evening classes and I also started volunteering at
public schools. I used to be an elementary teacher in the former
Czechoslovakia, where I developed my passion for teaching.
Eventually I earned my Ontario Teaching Certificate diploma and
started working as a supply teacher (filling in for absent
teachers) at
public elementary schools in London. Later on I began
teaching the ESL program for adult immigrants.
I am very pleased to say that the ESL program for adults in
London has expanded dramatically since I arrived. London has
lots to offer to new immigrants and other people who come to the
city. There are ESL programs for adult students all around the
City of London, with day care facilities for children so that
adults can study while their children are being cared for.
I have been teaching now for 15 years and in the last five years
I have been educating adult immigrants at the
Wheable
Centre for Adult Education or Wheable as it is commonly
known. Wheable has open registration, where students can apply
at any time throughout the year at the beginning of each term.
To be accepted, one requires a Student permit, proof of
immigration and/or Canadian citizenship. Each term lasts seven
weeks and the fee is $15 per term. Upon arrival to the program,
each student has to be assessed via an oral and written exam for
their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in
English by an assessor. Students are then placed in the
appropriate class along with classmates who have similar skills,
which are called benchmarks. Classes begin at Pre-Benchmark and
then continue up to Benchmark 8. Upon achievement of Benchmark 6
in all subjects of listening, speaking, reading and writing,
students can then take credit courses, computer courses, etc to
upgrade their education in English.
There are also programs available at several schools in London
and area including
Lorne Avenue Public School and
Sir Frederick Banting Annex. After completing an ESL program, students can
continue their education at institutions such as
Fanshawe
College or
Westervelt College. There is also an Employment Resource
Centre at Wheable where students can get information, facts,
statistics, and help to break down the barriers to employment.
(e-mail:
wheable.erc@tvdsb.on.ca). A helpful resource for new
immigrants to London is the
Cross Cultural Learner Centre, which
provides support and information to people upon request.
I am pleased to see students from different countries studying
hard, improving their English and focusing on their dreams to
become good citizens. My students quickly learn that the best
thing about coming to ESL classes is that there is a friendly
atmosphere between students and teachers. They learn about the
Canadian lifestyle and meet new friends while learning the
language. And, that is what they appreciate as much as the
lessons!
_____________________________________________________________
Eva
Dlouhy is an experienced ESL teacher at The Wheable Centre for
Adult Education in London, Ontario.
