Phases
Project Description
Since 2005, VESL (the Volunteer ESL Tutor Training Project) has supported the professional development of volunteer ELL tutors throughout the city of Calgary. The project is funded by Calgary Learns and is the collaborative effort of three Calgary ELL service providers with long standing volunteer programs: Bow Valley College, the Calgary Public Library, and the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
The project offers six face-to-face training workshops throughout the year that are offered free-of-charge to volunteers who support language learners in organizations througout Calgary. This project also manages a volunteer website, VESL, to ensure ongoing volunteer development is supported. The website is updated regulary and contains handouts from previous training workshops, tutor tips, volunteer profiles and other useful information.
I learn so many valuable techniques and ideas in the VESL workshops and I use them in my tutorials. I wouldn’t miss the workshops for anything! - Workshop Participant
I’ve participated in several of these workshops and enjoyed them all. Not only can you learn new ideas and techniques, but they can affirm one’s own approaches which is very constructive and rewarding. - Workshop Participant
Phase I
Phase I: Needs Assessment
- Each year, a needs assessment is conducted to ensure the training workshops are engaging and relevant.
- Volunteer feedback is collected via an online survey and through the evaluation forms that are completed by participants at the training workshops.
- The four partnering organizations met twice a year to review the feedback and develop responsive training workshops.
Phase II
Phase II: Workshop Delivery
- Six face-to-face training workshops are planned and promoted each year.
- Each of the training workshops is posted on the VESL website. Monthly updates are made to the website, including new information on upcoming training opportunities, workshop handouts and tutor tips, as well as information on upcoming cultural events in Calgary.
- The VESL website is designed to not only be an accessible online resource and learning tool, but also to highlight and celebrate volunteer ESL tutors in the Calgary community.
Phase III
Phase III: Project Evaluation
- Workshop participants are asked to complete workshop evaluation forms in accordance with Calgary Learns and Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education reporting requirements. Feedback is incorporated into the ongoing development of this project.
- The Volunteer ESL Tutor Training Project allows ESL volunteer programs to combine resources and share expertise to support the development of volunteers. In total, more than 700 volunteers have registered to attend the training workshops between 2010 – 2012.
- Interest in the project remains high for Calgary area ESL volunteers and the partnering organization. From 2010 - 2012, more than 700 ESL volunteers have registered to attend the training workshop offered through this project.