Workplace ESOL goes digital: Expanding opportunities for English language learning

Year Published:

Abstract

This article describes an innovative workplace English initiative that aims to improve access to English language instruction for immigrant workers. Developed by the National Immigration Forum, Skills and Opportunity for the New American Workforce (SONAW) is a first-of-its-kind, blended training program comprising 40% face-to-face instruction and 60% online learning. In 2018, the EdTech Center @ World Education worked with the Forum to develop and scale new delivery models that support anytime, anywhere mobile learning. The article shares learnings from testing a fully remote model, where instruction was delivered through live, synchronous virtual classrooms. An external evaluation of SONAW found it to be a highly effective solution for workers across industries who sought to build workplace English skills but faced barriers enrolling in traditional face-to-face learning opportunities. The model benefits both workers seeking to boost English proficiency and employers seeking to enhance workers’ skills and retain and promote a diverse workforce.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What strategies are effective for English language acquisition in newcomer populations?

This evidence summary, authored by Switchboard, provides an overview of the current evidence on the effectiveness of various interventions for English language learning among newcomers. It addresses two crucial questions: Are there specific elements of English language acquisition programs for newcomer populations that are more effective or efficient than others? What role does technology play…

About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: United States

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

INTERVENTION: English at Work

OUTCOME AREA: Education

POPULATION: Immigrants

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2021

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