Resources
Results
Project-Based Learning for Adult English Language Learners
This article provides a rationale for using project-based learning with adult ELLs, describes the process, and gives examples of how the staff of an adult ESL program have used project-based learning with their adult learners at varying levels of English proficiency.
New American Horizons: Adult ESL Teacher Training Videos – Multilevel
This collection of 12 teacher training videos were filmed in adult ESL classes and feature a variety of teaching strategies and activities. For teachers interested in learning more about multilevel instruction, there are two videos that address this topic.
National Center on Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn. The National Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Center supports the effective implementation of UDL by connecting stakeholders in the field and providing resources and information.
Meeting the Needs of Today’s English Language Learner
In this interactive online module, ABE practitioners explore the need for more rigorous academic instruction in language and literacy skills. The authors highlight specific elements that research has shown to be critical for adult English language learners’ full access to academic and work opportunities.
Making Student-Centered Teaching Work
This article from the MEXTESOL Journal makes a strong argument for student-centered teaching practices, and outlines ten suggestions that teachers can follow to make their lessons more student-centered.
Making It Real: Teaching Pre-Literate Adult Refugee Students
This book is a great place reference for both new and experienced teachers. It covers a variety of effective practices for teaching low-literate adult refugees, and describes techniques and activities that support these practices.
Looking at the Bigger Picture: 7 Tips for Using Project Based Learning in the ESL Classroom
This article gives an overview of project-based learning, including why it is good for ESL students and what the teacher's role is. It also provides seven tips for successful project-based learning implementation in the ESL classroom.
LINCS ESL Pro Module 3: Preparing English Learners for Work and Career Pathways
This self-paced professional development module from LINCS provides the foundational concepts related to designing and implementing an adult ELA program contextualized for career pathways.
Learner Goal-Setting
This article addresses the question, "What can instructors do to help students set goals, monitor progress, and reach goals?" with research-backed strategies and suggestions for practitioners.
Incorporating Goal-Setting in Adult ESL Classrooms
This PowerPoint outlines goal-setting projects and their results in beginning level adult ESL classrooms. Images of handouts and descriptions of activities are provided.
Improving Adult Literacy: Developing Reading and Writing
This booklet presents an overview of what is known about how literacy develops, the component skills of reading and writing, and the practices that are effective for developing them. It also describes principles of reading and writing instruction that can guide those who design and administer programs or courses to improve adult literacy skills.
Listening with a Purpose: 7 Types of ESL Activities
This article outlines different approaches that teachers can take when planning the purpose of a listening activity so that students can strengthen a variety of listening comprehension skills.
Ideas for a Multilevel Class
This article includes recommendations for multilevel teaching strategies and classroom management suggestions distilled from an experienced ESL teacher. The article is part of a National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) digest, and includes links to additional articles on the topic of multilevel instruction.
How Should Adult ESL Reading Instruction Differ From ABE Reading Instruction?
A brief from the Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA) summarizing the research base on adult English language learners (ELLs) learning to read. It describes how ELLs differ from native English speakers and how these differences should affect reading instruction.
Give It a Go: Teaching Pronunciation to Adults
This interactive PDF resource provides "a brief and accessible overview of how pronunciation works in English, some explanations of the particular difficulties faced by learners from different backgrounds, and activities that teachers can use to help adult language learners to improve their pronunciation."
Getting to the Rough Ground of Language and Literacy Learning Through the Language Experience Approach
This blog post from The Literacy Bug describes how teachers can use the language experience approach (LEA) to support early language learners by providing them with ample opportunities to hear, see, use and manipulate language in contextualized, purposeful ways.
Facilitating Adult Learner Interactions to Build Listening and Speaking Skills
A Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA) research brief that includes techniques to promote successful language learning interactions, examples of activities, and special considerations for beginning-level learners.
Evidence-Based, Student-Centered Instructional Practices
Four research-backed recommendations for student-centered language instruction that teachers can implement in their adult ESL classes, as well as concrete activities and practices to support each recommendation.
ESL Teaching Methods: Teaching Grammar Creatively
This article from the Reach to Teach blog offers best practices for teaching grammar in an effective and engaging manner for learners of all ages.
Error Correction
This article provides strategies for how and when to correct learners' mistakes and suggestions for how to make error correction a part of your classroom routine.
New Resources
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Adult Foundational Education
This 2023 brief from the CREATE Adult Skills Network sheds light on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility conditions, opportunities, and challenges as they manifest in adult basic education across the country.
Community Interpreter Credential
Resources related to Community Interpreter have been collected by an ATLAS Credential Specialist experienced in this field. The PDF includes information on the credential including testing, ABE and non-ABE providers that offer training, curriculum links, potential participants, Minnesota wage and outlook information and additional certifications on this career pathway.
Certified Nursing Assistant Credential
Resources related to Certified Nursing Assistant have been collected by an ATLAS Credential Specialist experienced in this field. The PDF includes information on the credential including testing, ABE and non-ABE providers that offer training, curriculum links, potential participants, Minnesota wage and outlook information and additional certifications on this career pathway.
Presenter Information
Get information about stipends, reimbursements, and other instructions for presenters.
MN ABE YouTube Channel
The MN ABE YouTube Channel is a free online PD resource that you can use to explore teaching techniques and classroom ideas in action! Find out more in this MN ABE Connect newsletter article.
Upcoming ABE Events
April 23, 2024
12:00 pm–1:30 pm
Online
Administrator Webinar: Leading ABE Programs with a Trauma-Informed Lens
Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 4/23/24 As leaders of ABE programs, coordinators and administrators can do much to create organizations and learning environments that are trauma-informed and healing-centered. In this webinar, join Lucille Rosario, a nationally-known social worker and educator, as she walks us through how leaders can directly impact… Learn More
Online
April 23, 2024
12:30 pm–1:15 pm
Online
Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Strategies to Teach to a Multi-Level Classroom
Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 4/23/24 In this session, we will explore the challenges and advantages of teaching a multi-level classroom, share ideas on how to overcome these challenges, and brainstorm other strategies that we can use in the classroom. NOTE: Attendees must have current login credentials… Learn More
Online
April 23, 2024
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Online
Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 4/23/24 Come and review the important role of fluency in reading instruction. We will discuss the three key components of reading fluency and look at a variety of activities tutors and teachers can try. We will talk about the mechanics of doing fluency practice via… Learn More
Online