Volunteer learning mentors in ESOL
Kamila Naeem
Teaching and Learning Champion, and ESOL Lecturer
The ESOL volunteer programme started upon the successful completion of our highest ESOL Level 1 qualification by a group of 12 learners who developed such a thirst for learning that they wanted to spread their enthusiasm onto their peers in lower level classes.
The overall goal was twofold:
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To give more individual support to lower ability level learners enabling them to achieve,
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And to offer hands-on teaching support experience as a means of possible progression onto a career in education.
Our volunteers obtained DBS checks and were given a timetable of classes we had on offer and chose the sessions they would support in accordance with their preferences. They typically assisted between 3-6 hours each week, accumulating 30 hours of classroom volunteering in total. In exchange, the college issued letters of recommendation for future employers shall the volunteers pursue a career in education.
Aims of the project
Feedback on the mentoring process
Here are some reflections on the ESOL volunteer project from the volunteers and teachers at BDC, recorded in June 2018.
Celeste – Beginners High and Master Class Entry 1
‘The students who were assisting my classes were a great addition to the class, assisting with checking spelling and grammar and were of particular assistance with the weaker students in the class who really benefitted from the additional support.’
Jemima – Beginners High
‘The volunteer was quite helpful when she was in my class. She was able to translate some tasks to students in the class who were from the same background as her. She was very interested in the lesson which allowed her to observe real classroom teaching techniques.’
Magdalena, ESOL Volunteer
‘I have just secured a place on a Level 2 Teaching Assistant course at BDC and a placement at my daughter’s school. I feel like the volunteering experience has helped me with the practical aspect and definitely advanced my chances of getting accepted into the course and placement.’
Mireille, ESOL Volunteer
‘Although I don’t want to pursue teaching, I feel that my confidence has really improved as a result of volunteering, in pretty much all aspects of life. I feel that I can communicate with people better, understand them and understand where they’re coming from. It’s been wonderful.’
Zamira, ESOL Volunteer
‘I have learnt so much from this experience. I now know why teachers do what they do and how learning happens. I am thrilled to have been of help and I will miss this over the summer. I definitely want to continue next academic year.’
Mahfuja, ESOL Volunteer
‘I have used what I learnt through volunteering with my kids. It’s not much, but just a little something I observed the teacher do in an ESOL class, and it’s worked! I’m so grateful for this opportunity.’
Shamima, ESOL Volunteer
‘It was such a good experience, in my opinion. It brought back so many memories from when I had just started learning the language, having just arrived in the UK. I think because I could identify with the students, the communication was much easier and they felt confident asking me ‘silly’ questions. They felt like they could talk to me on a friendly level because we share similar experiences.’
Student reflections on the project
What motivated you to become a volunteer?
What was the impact of volunteering?
Impact on other areas of life?
Future plans?