On September 24 and 25, 2013, the English Language Centre (ELC) joined hands with third and fourth-year English Education majors in the Faculty of Education to launch the first seminar on ‘Experiential Learning’ , or learning by doing.  This semester 19 FED students will serve as Experiential Learners as part of an ongoing ELC programme of ‘Using Peer Tutors in the EFL classroom’.  The goal of the programme is to enhance the English proficiencies of incoming UM students enrolled in ELC integrated language courses by providing them with further opportunities to practice English in the classroom.

In preparation for transitioning into the classroom, FED Experiential Learners participated in a seminar in which they identified their strengths and weaknesses for assisting in ELC classes through a SWOT analysis.  Various teaching scenarios were discussed to better prepare the students about the realities of the classroom.  Classroom management was also a big topic of discussion.

Since all of the FED Experiential Learners are training to become English teachers after graduation, this collaborative programme with the ELC allows them to gain valuable experience with students, while at the same time improving their own English abilities and learning how to work with a senior teacher (who serves as their mentor).A second seminar in Experiential Learning will be held on November 12 and 13 in which Experiential Learners will engage in critical reflection of the teaching practices they observed and practiced.