CATESOL24

Explore the innovative and free USA Learns Citizenship course, developed by the Sacramento County Office of Education, and designed to prepare students for the U.S. Citizenship test and interview. This presentation will be a quick dive into the course's comprehensive curriculum, interactive online tools, and student/teacher-friendly design that empower learners with essential knowledge and skills. Discover how this accessible resource supports teachers and guides adult learners in achieving their American dream.

Language development happens faster in environments where learners hear lots of talk, including stories, conversations, descriptions, and advice. English learners can develop skills to help create such language-rich environments. When learners work to generate more talk, they create more opportunities to practice language skills at home, at work, or at school. Presenters describe classroom activities that develop adults' ability to tune in, talk more, and take turns in everyday conversation. Participants review pragmatic and interactive integrated skills activities for use in contexts such as vocational ESL, and teacher-training courses.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing language learning, especially in English speaking proficiency. Unlike traditional methods, where achieving fluency required significant time, money, and travel, today's learners have access to AI-powered tools that provide dynamic, personalized speaking practice. Platforms like FLOW Speak and others are making language learning more accessible, allowing students to practice anywhere, anytime, and at a fraction of the cost. These tools enhance, rather than replace, traditional teaching, empowering both educators and learners to achieve better outcomes in less time, unlocking global opportunities for academic and career success.

This research explores the unique challenges nontraditional students face in adult ESL classrooms. It further applies McClusky's Theory of Margin, which analyzes the balance between an individual's demands and resources, to offer instructional recommendations. Nontraditional students, who are re-entry students balancing educational pursuits with multiple roles and responsibilities, often encounter significant external demands and limited resources. Through qualitative methods, including interviews and surveys, this study provides insights into experiences, learning goals, and challenges of these students. The findings inform strategies to enhance learning environments and aim to guide policymakers and instructors toward creating more inclusive and equitable ESL classrooms.

What is information competency and how do librarians teach it? The current California community college library model of teaching information competency is based on traditional degree-seeking students and ignores the needs of nontraditional ESL students. To meet the learning needs of nontraditional ESL students, we need transformational and culturally responsive leaders who embrace the link between critical race theory and critical information literacies. This session will include a community college librarian's preliminary research on curricular change on their campuses. A good opportunity to network and exchange resources.

Children thrive when their parents, grandparents, nannies, or childcare providers can communicate effectively and meet their needs. By taking ESL courses centered on children, adult learners can practice language skills and communication strategies that allow them to use English more proficiently at school, childcare, or home. Presenters describe an integrated skills program helping adults develop practical vocational and academic language skills that can lead to certificates, degrees, and employment. Participants examine program set-up and interactive classroom activities from high beginning to low advanced, all focused on the context of children, their care and development.

This poster session explores the potential of language education as a tool for soft diplomacy, fostering cross-cultural understanding and positive international relations encapsulating three innovative programs implemented in Kyrgyzstan:

- Footballogy: This curriculum, based on my book of the same name, uses American football as a platform for language acquisition, teamwork, and cultural exchange.

- Karaoke Club with a Twist: This program goes beyond singing. It integrates English language skills development with geographical and historical context in the United States.

- RAKMAT (thank you in Kyrgyz): This family-centered initiative incubates literacy and cultural exchange by a program where children and parents read together.
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Across the United States, mainstream and ESL teachers have been enhancing their classrooms by adopting coteaching and collaboration strategies inspired by special education inclusion models (Nordmeyer, 2008; Wertheimer & Honigsfeld, 2000). In this workshop, we will explore how Southwestern College is championing teacher collaboration through an IET immersion model, showcased through authentic case vignettes. We will demonstrate how collaborative experiences and coteaching between content teachers and ELL professionals lead to significant improvements in student learning. By using successful cooperative planning and techniques, classroom content educators and ESL professionals are discovering effective ways to improve lesson delivery and differentiate instruction.

AI is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, and education is no exception. This presentation provides insights on how to adapt and utilize AI applications and chatbots within classroom curricula. Attendees will learn about specific AI-driven apps and web services and participate in workshops on using chatbots effectively to enrich student engagement and learning.

This interactive session will empower educators by integrating AI technology into writing instruction, focusing on the creation and deconstruction of explanatory texts. Attendees will explore practical methods using a Sentence Patterning Chart and Text Type Chart, supported by AI-generated text exemplars. The session aims to enhance teaching strategies, providing actionable insights and tools for immediate classroom application.