Outside US & Canada?
ESL Training and Teaching English Skills
By Clare KaufmanQuestion
I'm only a few years away from retirement and would like to spend those years as a Reading Specialist, teaching kids in my country to improve their English reading and comprehension skills. My professional background is in Human Resources, Broadcast Journalism and bit of TOEFL. My formal qualifications include a BS in management, an MA in communication studies and TOEFL certification. What can you recommend as my best course of action to qualify as a Reading Specialist?
It is pleasure writing to you and I am indeed grateful that you care about us learning the English language.
I am a Ugandan holding a diploma in secretarial studies. As a secretary I do a lot of office communication. This requires knowledge about the language and also a good command of the language.
How can I excel in the English Language? What is the best way to start? How can I get help from WorldWideLearn?
I will be very grateful to hear from you at your earliest convenience.
Answer
Derval Graham, it sounds like you already have TOEFL training under your belt and are looking to develop your English teaching into the area of childhood reading comprehension. You might consider supplementing your ESL training with coursework in early childhood education or K-12 reading comprehension. Check out links to literacy and reading education programs. You can specialize in areas such as Elementary Reading & Literacy, Literacy and Language, and Elementary Reading.
Since these courses are designed for elementary and early childhood education professionals in the United States, some of the information will apply specifically to the U.S. elementary school curriculum. But you'll find the literacy and early education techniques universally applicable. And the insight into the U.S. childhood literacy curriculum could prove valuable when it comes time to develop your own lesson plans.
Annet Namwanga, your commitment to learning English and developing your secretarial career is inspiring. WorldWideLearn.com maintains a list of online English language resources. Programs are available in English as a Second Language, but since you already have a command of the language, you may find that the more advanced English practice courses suit you better. You can find audio and video resources on this page, as well as links to courses that might help you in your secretarial career: business English, business writing, and English for science and industry. Some schools even offer courses specifically designed for managers, professionals, and secretaries. If you are interested in earning a professional credential for business English, look for programs that offer BULATS (Business Language Assessment Testing Service) certification.
Both of you recognize how crucial language acquisition is in today's global economy; best of luck in your ambitions.
Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer specializing in education and career advice. She has a graduate degree in English.
