Conducting a community-based ESOL programme needs analysis

Year Published:

Abstract

This article traces a community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) project which engaged local non-profits and the immigrant community in Flint, Michigan, USA, to identify areas for growth in support of local immigrant-background residents. Collaborative data-gathering began in 2015 with the creation of a community asset map which outlined existing services available to immigrants, as well as potential areas for growth. This was followed by a series of linguistically and culturally sensitive focus groups with immigrant-background participants. The use of CBPAR was foundational to this study because it engaged the local community in the needs analysis process and resulted in the development of grassroots ESOL programming. The article outlines steps and recommendations for community-based participatory ESOL needs analysis that can be applied to other geographical regions and ESOL programmes.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What strategies are effective for English language acquisition in newcomer populations?

This evidence summary, authored by Switchboard, provides an overview of the current evidence on the effectiveness of various interventions for English language learning among newcomers. It addresses two crucial questions: Are there specific elements of English language acquisition programs for newcomer populations that are more effective or efficient than others? What role does technology play…

About this study

AGE: Adults

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: United States

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

OUTCOME AREA: Education

POPULATION: Immigrants

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2020

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