Thoughts on Teaching ESL Synchronously Online

Newsletter Editor, Christie Sosa

While many resources have emerged during the pandemic that support teachers on how to get up and running on an LMS platform or use Zoom, I have seen less resources on how to actually utilize synchronous time in the ESL discipline.

So, I connected with ESL Professor Femia Scarfone from Saddleback Community College in Southern California to get her thoughts on how she runs her 170-minute multi skills course online, twice a week.

Before jumping into the specifics of her class schedule, Profesor Scarfone, explained to me how now more than ever she recognizes students’ need for human connection in addition to opportunities to practice their English in a supportive environment and in real-time. 

"Don't be afraid of synchronous Zoom meetings," she says. "The Zoom breakout rooms function is an excellent tool as it has allowed me to facilitate all types of group work - whether I am having my students complete simple tasks such as reviewing their homework assignment, completing a textbook activity, discussing a topic or more complex tasks such as working on role-plays to present to the class, sharing their screens to complete a presentation, or for peer-reviewing of writing assignments - this function allows me to run class as I would in-person, just virtually."
 
Professor Scarfone goes on to tell me that she has found that students are more willing to ask questions and engage with her in breakout rooms. She suspects this is because there are less people in a “room” and the students feel they have her undivided attention. “I can jump in any room and monitor their progress while also providing one-on-one and group feedback.”

Establishing a class structure is also important. Professor Scarfone explains that she has also established rhythms in the class that help provide variety during a 170-minute class session but also a familiar, comfortable structure for students. For every class session, she posts an agenda via Canvas with the course plan for the day and necessary links which she believes puts her students at ease. 
 
A typical online class with Professor Scarfone looks something like this: 

She opens up her class with a greeting and allots time to connect with students casually, sharing what they've been up to and then will transition into the first part of the lesson which could be reviewing a homework assignment or analyzing an excerpt from the class novel together. Each activity is generally followed by some form of discussion. While she does lecture, most of the class is dedicated to practice and production. Class is closed with a quick summary of the topics covered followed by what to expect in the next class session. 
 
I am impressed by Professor Scarfone’s creativity in utilizing Zoom to provide opportunities for her students to communicate, meaningfully, with one another and with her--their instructor. She reminds me that they are not simply communicating, but rather, connecting. And, during these times, we need this more than ever.