Note: This project is completed

Professional Development Modules

Project Description

The CCLB has received funding from Governments of British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Ontario to provide a two introductory online professional development modules about the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to support teachers in adult ESL and Bridging programs who have been newly hired and are not familiar with the CLB or wish to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the CLB.

In 2005-2006 the CCLB developed an initial, online professional development module in order to provide a general introduction to the CLB. This module was funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and launched on the CCLB website in Spring 2006.  With additional funding from the Government of Ontario, the CCLB then conducted a pilot test of this module with adult ESL teachers and TESL trainers, to solicit detailed feedback on the content and useability of the module. 

Based on the feedback, the CCLB will make revisions to the first module and develop two new modules: 

1. Planning a lesson or unit using the CLB
2. Integrating CLB Assessment into the ESL Classroom.  

A national advisory committee will be put in place to oversee the development of the new modules, including the participation of representatives from recognized TESL training institutions. 

Once finalized, the modules will be promoted to practitioners in adult ESL and Bridging programs across the country, and the content of the modules will be made available to TESL training institutions interested in incorporating the material into their programs.

Key Outcomes:

• Nationally standardized professional development about the CLB
• Improved standardization in knowledge and understanding of ESL teachers in the use of the CLB for language training
• Accessible professional development available for new hires
• Answers to specific needs of ESL teachers

Funding provided by the Governments of British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Ontario.