Suggestions are presented that are drawn from basic skills instruction at the English Learning Centre at Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology (England), an open learning center geared specifically for ESOL students. Funded for 2 years as a special project by the Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit, the center examines procedures that meet a wide range of language and study skills, including individualized programs. The use of bilingualism has also been investigated. This step-by-step guide has two main sections, discussing respectively: (1) how to negotiate a program of work with students (building a picture of the student, translating the students' goals, negotiating a program of work); and (2) making open learning work (the role of the tutor, monitoring, ways for open learning to work for beginning students, and hints on resources, environment, overcoming barriers, and selling the idea of open learning to men, young people, and more advanced students. Numerous illustrations supplement the narrative material. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education) (LB)