On the 14th and 15th of August Catholic Schools hosted a number of Primary and Secondary Early Career teachers.

The teachers participated in a Session on EAL/D education.

One activity involved a first-hand experience of what it is like for the English language learners in our classroom - the teachers being immersed in a Mandarin lesson led by a Secondary Pedagogical Mentor (and Mandarin teacher) Louise Robertson.

The aim of the immersion was to help these early career teachers experience what it is like to be an English Language learner.

Not only are non-English speakers learning English, they are also learning in and through English. Research indicates that becoming proficient and literate in a second language generally takes between 5 – 7 years to master.

Definitely something worth pondering…

It can be mentally exhausting, and particularly challenging when you want to fit in with your peers; while simultaneously working incredibly hard to follow cues and unfamiliar routines.

The session allowed students to feel the same hesitation, confusion and cognitive load familiar to these students. It was also a great opportunity to be reminded of the importance of scaffolding language through the use of gesture, images, diagrams or translating tools.

Thankyou sincerely to Louise Robertson for your Mandarin immersion; and for the COMMS team for capturing the reluctance and confusion so well!

Maree Adams Education Officer (EAL/D)