Pronunciation Study Circle

The Pronunciation Study Circle is for adult education ESL teachers who are interested in integrating effective pronunciation instruction into their regular teaching practice. Study circle participants analyze the pronunciation needs of learners with diverse cultural backgrounds and English ability levels, explore relevant research and its implications for targeted pronunciation instruction, and actively engage in pronunciation instruction within their own teaching practices.

Like our other language instruction study circles, it involves reading a selection of relevant research and completing various classroom-based reflection tasks. During the 3 meetings of 3 hours each, participants discuss the readings and tasks and explore together how research can inform classroom practice.

Objectives

The objectives of the study circle are to:

1. Articulate connections between relevant research and effective classroom practices pertaining to pronunciation instruction.
2. Analyze speech samples from current learner populations and identify salient issues; explore techniques and practices for addressing specific pronunciation concerns.
3. Identify and share useful resources such as classroom activities, research, online resources, and classroom practices that can enhance teaching and learning.
4. Articulate rationale for integrating systematic and structured pronunciation instruction in order to enhance life-skills or work-skills based curriculum for adult ESL classes.
5. Prepare to implement/integrate pronunciation techniques and strategies into your adult ESL classroom through exploration of various resources, discussions, and reflection of teaching practices.

Benefits of participation

Participants earn 15 CEUs plus a $100 stipend for completing all the requirements for a study circle, including attendance at all 3 meetings. (No partial stipends will be awarded.) Priority for slots is given to current paid staff of MN ABE programs.

Here is what some of our participants have said about their experience:

• “Really thought the research literature was relevant and interesting to discuss with others. Great to have the research organized in a way that is easy to get to and can be very useful beyond the study circle.”
• “I liked hearing what other people are doing in their classrooms and what is working for them. It was informative and also inspiring!”
• “I felt this was one of the most valuable professional development activities I have ever had. There have been a lot of them, but this is and will remain a high point going forward.”

Interested in participating in a study circle?

Contact your program manager, who can connect with ATLAS to see if we can offer it in your locale!

You are also welcome to make use of our Pronunciation Study Circle Facilitator Guide, which provides step-by-step suggestions for conducting study circles no matter where your program is based.