Some FAQs
The purpose of this page is to provide some information about the context in which we have been able to develop the work in progress for Entry Zero Absolute Beginners.
What are the needs of Learners at this level?
Learners at the beginning of the programme are likely to have no, or very little, understanding of English grammar, vocabulary (even such 'international' words such as taxi, pizza, phone) and how to do things with words in English.
They therefore need a sympathetic presentation of new language in a highly structured way, with ample opportunities to practise and then use what they have been learning.
The BELFAST Programme provides this, so that Learners can gradually grow in confidence as they acquire language that will enable them to take their first steps in English and perform accurately and fluently across a range of CAN DO statements appropriate to this level.
How long does the Entry Zero programme last?
60 face to face contact hours.
In addition to the face-to-face contact time, Learners are expected to complete regular private study and some mechanical writing practice activities as homework.
How many people are in a class?
15, but (subject to the size of the room and the stamina of the teacher) this can sometimes increase, depending on demand. Punctuality and attendance are excellent!
What is in a lesson?
Each 55 minute lesson follows a similar pattern and structure, especially in Stage One, so that Learners can soon feel comfortable with the purpose and nature of each of the class activities. Typically, these will include:
What homework is required?
Each Learner is expected to complete regular private study and homework; normally, about 30+ minutes between each of the face-to-face class sessions. The purpose of the homework is:
What is in the syllabus?
The Entry Zero syllabus contains a structured sequence of learning outcomes for each of the 60 lessons, supported by indicative lesson plans with classroom exercises and activities. This will be demonstrated in detail at the Entry Zero Workshop for Teachers.
What material is required?
Each Learner receives:
How much do Learners pay for this programme?
FREE!
What is an indicative job description for those delivering the programme?
Each teacher:
What is an indicative job specification for those delivering the programme?
Essential:
What about accreditation?
This is a topic for discussion in the blog.
Why is called Entry Zero ESOL?
Those who complete the programme should have the knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, plus essential learning skills, that are required to progress to an ESOL Entry 1 programme or A1 TEFL programme: a mainstream Beginner course in English such as those available at BELFAST Metropolitan College.
What is the ABC - Absolute Beginners Compendium?
Watch this space!
The purpose of this page is to provide some information about the context in which we have been able to develop the work in progress for Entry Zero Absolute Beginners.
What are the needs of Learners at this level?
Learners at the beginning of the programme are likely to have no, or very little, understanding of English grammar, vocabulary (even such 'international' words such as taxi, pizza, phone) and how to do things with words in English.
They therefore need a sympathetic presentation of new language in a highly structured way, with ample opportunities to practise and then use what they have been learning.
The BELFAST Programme provides this, so that Learners can gradually grow in confidence as they acquire language that will enable them to take their first steps in English and perform accurately and fluently across a range of CAN DO statements appropriate to this level.
How long does the Entry Zero programme last?
60 face to face contact hours.
- Stage One - 12 hours
- Stage Two - 24 hours
- Stage Three - 24 hours
In addition to the face-to-face contact time, Learners are expected to complete regular private study and some mechanical writing practice activities as homework.
How many people are in a class?
15, but (subject to the size of the room and the stamina of the teacher) this can sometimes increase, depending on demand. Punctuality and attendance are excellent!
What is in a lesson?
Each 55 minute lesson follows a similar pattern and structure, especially in Stage One, so that Learners can soon feel comfortable with the purpose and nature of each of the class activities. Typically, these will include:
- Hello!: Welcomes and introductions
- Revision of previous lesson(s)
- Context-setting 4 line dialogues for listening and speaking
- Presentation and practice of a grammar point
- Presentation and practice of an area of vocabulary
- Presentation and practice of words for sight reading
- Presentation and practice of letters (Stage One), words (Stage Two) and sentences (Stage Three) for writing
- Homework: return of previous work and setting new work
- Goodbye!
What homework is required?
Each Learner is expected to complete regular private study and homework; normally, about 30+ minutes between each of the face-to-face class sessions. The purpose of the homework is:
- To provide each Learner with regular opportunities to review and revise work that has been introduced in class
- To give additional writing practice of items that have been introduced during class time.
What is in the syllabus?
The Entry Zero syllabus contains a structured sequence of learning outcomes for each of the 60 lessons, supported by indicative lesson plans with classroom exercises and activities. This will be demonstrated in detail at the Entry Zero Workshop for Teachers.
What material is required?
Each Learner receives:
- A nameplate
- Two exercise books for class activities / homework
- An indexed notebook for new vacabullary (in Stage Three)
- A file for the worksheets provided by the teacher.
How much do Learners pay for this programme?
FREE!
What is an indicative job description for those delivering the programme?
Each teacher:
- Develops their knowledge and understanding of the purpose of the programme, its content and its overall structure
- Attends an induction and the pre-delivery briefing session
- Plans and prepares presentations, activities and material that are suitable for the delivery of each of the lessons
- Delivers a series of lessons to ensure that the learning outcomes in the Entry Zero syllabus are being achieved
- Monitors regularly the progress of individual Learners and the class as a whole
- Identifies any area where additional support or help may be required by individual Learners
- Collaborates with other members of the delivery tem, either face to face or by email, WhatsApp, etc.
- Identifies areas of the syllabus and the Entry Zero programme generally that can be improved and made more effective
- Reports on progress of individual Learners and the class as a whole.
What is an indicative job specification for those delivering the programme?
Essential:
- A willingness to make a significant difference in the lives of the Learners, who may be refugees, migrants or asylum seekers and imay have had a very disrupted experience of education
- Time to plan prepare and deliver their contributions to the program of work and lessons provided
- Ability to work successfully in a small team with other Volunteers.
- A formal qualification, such as those provided by The TEFL Academy or the CELTA
- Experience In working with adult learners of any sort
- Interpersonal skills, so that they can build relationships quickly with both the Learners and other Volunteers with whom they will be working.
What about accreditation?
This is a topic for discussion in the blog.
Why is called Entry Zero ESOL?
Those who complete the programme should have the knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, plus essential learning skills, that are required to progress to an ESOL Entry 1 programme or A1 TEFL programme: a mainstream Beginner course in English such as those available at BELFAST Metropolitan College.
What is the ABC - Absolute Beginners Compendium?
Watch this space!