ERIC Number: ED608398
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Jun
Pages: 117
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Volunteers, English Language Learners and Conversation Clubs. Research Report
Gooch, Becca; Stevenson, Alex
Learning and Work Institute
Conversation clubs provide spaces for participants to practise their English language speaking skills in a friendly, supportive and informal environment. Informal volunteer-led provision takes a number of forms and there is no standard approach or model of training, resources or materials to which volunteers adhere. There is huge value in volunteer-led learning. However, it has been made clear from the sector that informal volunteer opportunities should not replace formal language learning delivered by a professional. There is therefore a need for a range of products to provide advice for individuals and organisations on appropriate roles for volunteers in English language learning and support materials for volunteers. The research for this project was commissioned to gain user insight and use this to inform the development of the resources. It looked at four key questions: (1) How do different types of volunteer-led English language programmes run? (2) What roles do volunteers play in this? (3) What resources are currently available and used, and what is missing? and (4) What support currently exists, and what is missing? The research sought to identify the specific challenges, opportunities and resource needs for volunteers and project leads in English language learning. The research questions were important to investigate as part of the project to ensure that these resources do not replicate existing available materials, and instead provide needed support as outlined by the users. [The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) commissioned the Learning and Work Institute (L&W) and Learning Unlimited (LU) to complete this research.]
Descriptors: Clubs, Interpersonal Communication, Language Skills, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Volunteers, Role, Educational Resources, Refugees, Immigrants, Foreign Countries, Barriers, Informal Education, Educational Needs, Teacher Qualifications, Cultural Awareness, Educational Attainment, Attendance, Persistence, Program Effectiveness, Student Motivation, Training
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Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Learning and Work Institute (United Kingdom)
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A