SOCEM started to offer training webinars online during Covid, from 2020. From January to May 2023, SOCEM offered one webinar per month – our third series. Here is a snapshot of the two most recent webinars:
On April 18, Mae Chun from Calgary presented a webinar on “Essential ESL Skills for Aging Well: Program for Seniors”. About 12 people were present on ZOOM, with some others who registered who would be listening to the recording afterwards. Mae gave an overview of the programs delivered by MPC Foundation, including ESL, that address the needs of older adults. Mae also brought in two of her teachers to the webinar, and after Mae shared, they shared regarding the front-line stories of working with these seniors, including the joys, successes and challenges. The needs of the seniors for social connection and practical skills are highlighted. There was also a lively time of Q&A at the end of the webinar where participants asked questions of the 3 presenters. Comments from the participants in the Feedback Form include “I liked the team teaching approach and the focus on practical needs of immigrant seniors.”
On May 16, Carey Jo Johnston presented a webinar on “Not a Trained TESOL Teacher? Light of the World Digital Curriculum Makes It Easier!” She touched on the need for ESL, the obstacles that volunteer teachers face, then focused on introducing the free digital curriculum Light of the World. After emphasizing the flexibility of format, Carey Jo took us through a unit in the curriculum with its different segments including grammar and pronunciation, conversation and biblical content. There was ample time for questions after Carey Jo presented. The feedback of the participants includes “Content was well organized. Very good slides in an orderly progression”; “I liked the several different aspects of teaching techniques that she incorporated into the work and that it can be used both for in-person and on-line teaching.” The participants of this webinar included a group from a church who were watching the webinar together at one location.