By Nicole North

EAL instructors are vital for helping newcomers thrive in Canada

November 10th to 16th is EAL Week (English as an additional language), a time to celebrate English language learners and educators. According to the Association of British Columbia Teachers of English as an Additional Language (BC TEAL), "EAL week is a time for English language educators to come together and build community." SFU Linguistics offers a Certificate in Teaching ESL Linguistics (CESL). The program includes courses that introduce foundational topics in English grammar, second language acquisition, and EAL classroom practices. The certificate requires completion of a 30-hour practicum in adult English language instruction. It is during this practicum that students build the experience needed for an exciting career in teaching EAL.

Yolanda Lam serves as President of the Linguistics Student Union (LSU), and she is enrolled in the TESL Linguistics program. Yolanda has volunteered as an EAL instructor with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, as part of the ongoing volunteer partnership between SFU Linguistics and PICS. Mitika Jain, a program coordinator with PICS, says that volunteers like Yolanda are integral to the services PICS offers to newcomers. "The program targets new immigrant workers who arrive in BC for jobs, often in sectors such as agriculture and construction where English proficiency may not be initially required. This is because the workplace operates in their first language or provides interpreters, focusing mainly on finding individuals who can perform the job. While this benefits the workers by securing initial employment, the lack of English proficiency creates a significant barrier to living in Canada long-term," explains Mitika.

"In a new country, without family or acquaintances, newcomers often focus solely on work and struggle with integrating into society. Expressing themselves becomes challenging due to the unfamiliar language and systems, impacting their ability to communicate at work, interact with government agencies, access available resources, or engage in social interactions," says Mitika. "Acquiring English language skills through the PICS program enables these workers to effectively communicate with employers, feel more confident in social settings, and navigate daily tasks with ease. This empowerment is vital for their integration into the community, ensuring they are treated fairly and can advocate for themselves. Improved English skills also create better job prospects and enhance their future opportunities." 

Yolanda Lam shares details about her experience as a PICS volunteer

What inspired you to study EAL instruction?

I was born and raised in Canada and grew up in a household where English was not the dominant language. Occasionally, my close family members relied on me to help translate documents, emails, and even during social interactions (which might be relatable to a lot of young individuals born in an English-dominant country). My biggest inspirations come from my grandma, who taught children Cantonese in after-school programs and cultural centres, and my mom, who teaches children and young teens how to play the piano.

Growing up, I was enrolled in Chinese school, learning Cantonese and Mandarin for an extensive period. With the support of my grandma, I was confident in using Cantonese to communicate with native speakers of the language. Like my grandma, I hope to become someone who can help people who need extra support in learning a language. When I came to SFU, I was lacking teaching experience, which inspired me to enroll in the CESL program and volunteer with PICS. 

Which TESL Linguistics courses were most impactful?

While I enjoyed taking all the courses in the program curriculum, Introduction to Teaching English as a Second Language to Adults (LING 362) had the biggest impact on my learning. It provided me with opportunities to practice making lesson plans, from creating activities for students to improve their skills using different approaches, to planning and managing lessons for different needs and demographics.

LING 362 was useful in preparation for the practicum course, Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language to Adults (LING 363). During the practicum, the most useful advice that I received from my professor was to maintain good communication with the lead/host EAL instructor, to always give clear and simple instructions to EAL students, and to be adaptable and professional as an educator. 

Tell us about your experience volunteering with PICS 

I started volunteering for PICS during the spring and fall semesters in 2023. The biggest challenge for me was maintaining high motivation in the learners. While English classes at PICS are free, many of the EAL learners have demanding personal and familial responsibilities, so they may not always be able to attend every class.

During my time volunteering as an EAL instructor with PICS, I taught advanced learners who primarily were seeking employment in Canada. When students feel like they genuinely learned something, or they were able to find employment, I felt that these were moments of true success.

The PICS coordinators were very supportive and communicative throughout the whole experience. They were excellent in ensuring that student volunteers like me understand the commitment and responsibilities of our position, as well as guiding the technical aspects of teaching adults in an online setting. 

Additional information about PICS from program coodinator Mitika Jain

EAL learners who receive instruction from PICS find the online classes convenient and easier to attend, as the flexible schedule fits well around their daytime work commitments. Learning English gives newcomers the confidence to ask for help, communicate at their workplace, contact public services, understand their rights, and integrate more fully into society. For instance, one student recently shared that he appreciated the ample opportunities to speak during class, which helped him become more confident in speaking. Additionally, being part of the class encourages learners to meet and interact with other newcomers, fostering a sense of community. 

PICS volunteers develop strong interpersonal skills like communication, empathy, and patience. They gain valuable experience working with adult learners. Teaching someone a language, especially in a conversational setting, requires understanding the learner's needs and adapting to them. PICS volunteers also improve their skills in explaining concepts clearly and simply. Additionally, they learn a lot about different cultures and perspectives, which broadens their understanding and appreciation of diversity.