Adult ESL Foundational Literacy Acquisition at The Branch
Publication Date
2025
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Department
Political Science, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
SPARK Category
Research
Faculty Advisor
Amanda Nelms
SPARK Session
9:15-10:15
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
Amidst an ever diversifying country, the need for quality adult ESL classes continues to grow tremendously. However, some individuals enrolled in adult ESL classes across the country experience a learning gap in comparison to their peers—these individuals either lack foundational literacy skills in either their own native language and/or their native language is extremely different from that of the English language. Foundational literacy is a vital skill for learning any language. To address this, we are implementing a one month long hybrid-learning study guide for adult ESL learners at The Branch, a local non-profit organization, in which those who are not yet prepared for beginner level ESL classes (Level 0) can have at-home, self-study tools using educational videos from the Tennessee Department of Education. The research methodology used is a qualitative case study in which we interview the Level 0 instructor for the adult ESL classes to discuss its effectiveness. We hypothesize that those who utilize the hybrid self-study tools alongside the in-person instruction will show increased levels of English language comprehension and literacy skills.
Recommended Citation
Bengin, Suzy; Frantz, Troy; and Faragalla, Mehrael, "Adult ESL Foundational Literacy Acquisition at The Branch" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 269.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/269