Settlement workers need to have knowledge about language training programs and resources in order to connect newcomers with appropriate services.
Quick Facts
Language Training Programs
General Language Training
- LINC Home Study
- CLIC en ligne
Employment-related Language Training
- Higher-level Language Training (HLLT)
- Bridging programs
- Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
- Occupation-specific Language Training (OSLT)
- Specialized Language Training (SLT)
Concepts, Skills & Terminology
Discover important concepts, definitions and terms relating to language training in the settlement sector.
Concepts
- Approach to language teaching that emphasizes interaction as both the means and the ultimate goal of study
- An approach to (language) instruction focused on each student's needs, abilities, interests, and learning styles, placing the teacher as a facilitator of learning
- Task-based language learning
- Involves using authentic language and asking students to do meaningful tasks using the target language
Terminology/Acronyms
- CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks)
- National standards in English and French (on a scale of 1 to 12) for describing, measuring and recognizing second language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants for living and working in Canada
- CCLB (Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks)
- Centre of expertise in support of the national standards in English and French for describing, measuring and recognizing second language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants for living and working in Canada
- CLBA (Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment)
- Low-stakes placement assessment tool (CLB 1-8) for placing adult newcomers in language training programs developed by the Centre for Education and Training (CET)
- CLBLA (Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Assessment)
- First language assessment tool which assesses reading, writing and numeracy performance and is administered to the client in his/her first language; developed by the Centre for Education and Training (CET)
- CLBPT (Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test)
- Streamlined low-stakes placement assessment tool (CLB 1-8) for placing adult newcomers in language training programs developed by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB)
- ELTPA (Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment)
- Low-stakes assessment tool (CLB 6-10) for placing adult newcomers, mostly internationally trained professionals and trades people, in Enhanced Language Training (ELT) programs
- WLA (Workplace Language Assessment)
- Assesses higher-level language proficiencies (CLB 7-10) of clients seeking entry into workplace-related training opportunities such as bridge to employment programs; developed by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB)
- CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses)
- Assesses the English language proficiency of internationally educated nurses who are applying for licensure in the nursing profession in Canada
- PBLA (Portfolio-based Language Assessment)
- Teacher-based approach to assessment in language training programs based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) which engages teachers and students in dialogue to tell the story of the student’s journey in learning English
- ESL (English as a Second Language)
- Often refers to provincially funded English language training in the adult settlement context
- FSL (French as a Second Language
- Often refers to provincially funded French language training in the adult settlement context
- LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
- Adult settlement language training in English funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
- CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada)
- Adult settlement language training in French funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
- LBS (Literacy and Basic Skills)
- Free training for adult learners in reading and writing, math, and basic work skills
- HLLT (Higher-level Language Training)
- Umbrella term for programs which equip adult learners with language skills for the workplace
- ELT (Enhanced Language Training)
- Job-specific, advanced-level (generally CLB 7-10) language training for adult newcomers funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
- OSLT (Occupation-specific Language Training)
- Job-specific language training (CLB 5/6-8) for adult newcomers offered through Ontario Colleges
- SLT (Specialized Language Training)
- Provincially funded job-specific language training for adult newcomers
- TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language)
- Also known as TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
How to Learn More
Further your knowledge with resources, practical guides and research.
Find out how to work in the field or upgrade your skills through online or classroom-based training.
Courses/Training
- Individual and in-house group training for staff from immigrant service agencies whose positions are funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI)
- Designed primarily for those wishing to teach in publicly-funded non-credit adult ESL programs in Ontario
- Specialized training that enables instructors to further their knowledge and skills in high priority content areas such as materials development, technology in the classroom, language for the workplace, and higher level language training
- Provides Ontario LINC teachers with the technology tools to implement blended learning in their programs and a free four stage teacher training and professional development program to master the tools
Online Learning
- Free online courses to help those working with newcomers build their skills offered by OCASI - Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
- Learn more about Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) including how they are applied in specific contexts
Best Practices/Practical Guides
- A companion document to Moving Professional Learning to Classroom Practice: An Instructor Handbook
Language Instruction and Assessment
Assessment
- On Target
- Portfolio Based Language Assessment (PBLA): Engaging Students in Dialogue - 2011
- Portfolio Based Language Assessment (PLBA) Facebook page
- SAM (Summative Assessment Manual)
- Canadian Language Benchmarks - Online Self-Assessment (CLB-OSA)
- Assessment tools based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks
- Guidelines for LINC Assessment Centres in Ontario - 2008
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
Curriculum Guidelines
ESL/LINC Classroom Activities
- Pan-Canadian online resource and community for ESL/FSL professionals; a shared federal-provincial initiative funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
HLLT
Special Needs
Program Planning and Evaluation
General
HLLT
LINC
Professional Associations
Find Services
If you want to comment or share a resource with us you can email atwork@ocasi.org or create your own page!
