Supporting English Language Learners at Your Library: One-on-one English Tutoring
A panel of ESOL experts from public libraries big and small gathered to share how they are running successful English tutoring programs at their libraries. Watch the event recording to learn about:
Strategies for recruiting and retaining volunteer tutors
Different approaches to training tutors
Recommended materials to provide for tutors
Policies to deal with intake, cancellations, and other logistics
Panelists' Recommended Resources:
Better Impact (paid) - Volunteer management software. Recommended for tracking tutors and students, monitoring hours, scheduling check-ins, delivering training modules, etc. (Free alternative: good old Excel.)
Oxford Picture Dictionary - Recommended for use with true beginner students as a visual aid when explaining unfamiliar topics/objects.
Breaking News English (free) - Current event and interest stories for adult English learners. Recommended to improve reading comprehension and as a conversation starter.
Intercambio (paid)
In-person Placement Test - Easy-to-use speaking and reading comprehension assessment. Recommended for assessing new students' English level.
Confidence & Connections curriculum - Recommended for tutors without much experience as it's very simple and easy to use.
ProLiteracy (paid)
Games/Conversation Starter Cards
Re-use your conversation club and book club resources! Anything useful for a group can be used in one-on-one tutoring.
Looking for a resource learners can use at home?
Explore the 300+ hour ESOL collection in Transparent Language Online! Interactive online English courses for speakers of 40+ languages, from beginner to advanced.
