Language Complexity in the Adult Ed ESL Classroom 

In order to become more proficient speakers, students must grow in their ability to produce more complex language, both in speaking and in writing. This workshop will focus on three aspects of language complexity: vocabulary, sentence structure, and elaboration. During the morning session, a variety of strategies and activities will be introduced and demonstrated, including activities for building vocabulary, using more complex grammatical structures, improving organization and cohesion, and helping students state opinions, give reasons, and keep a conversation going. Participants will also have opportunities to share activities that have worked well for them. During the afternoon session, participants will be given time to adapt what they have learned to their individual programs. Participants should bring appropriate resources such as an upcoming unit, vocabulary lists, and assignments. Each participant should leave this workshop with four to six new activities that can be implemented immediately.

Date:     Tuesday, November 21, 2023