Negotiating delivery of structured ESOL learning with an employer and ensuring the learning provider meets the needs of UNISON members is success in itself.
However, our involvement shouldn’t end there. UNISON’s ongoing support for ESOL learning can make a big difference to members’ motivation and learning experience.
There are many ways that branches, activists and organisers can support ESOL learning (while raising UNISON’s profile) before, during, and after classes take place.
Before classes take place
- encourage enrolment on ESOL classes. Publicity could include posters and flyers; social media; emails, texts and conversations with people who completed a learning survey or attended a taster activity. You could translate publicity into other languages
- ask the branch to purchase refreshments and learning materials (UNISON pens, notebooks, book bags, etc) for everyone on the ESOL course.
- be present if the learning provider runs initial assessments. An initial assessment helps tutors pitch classes at the right level for learners. It is not a test, but it can feel like one, so learners may feel nervous. A friendly UNISON face can really help
During the ESOL course
- attend the first ESOL class and as many classes as possible to maintain learners’ link with UNISON, recruit members, be aware of concerns that come up, check progress, identify potential activists, and identify organising opportunities
- check in with learners and the tutor so that you know who is attending, can follow up absences, and support learners if they have a problem
Classroom learning will be enhanced by opportunities to practise. You could:
- facilitate an informal conversation or self-study group alongside the class to give learners time and space to discuss their learning, get extra support, relate their learning to the workplace, and access online ESOL sites
- run a branch buddy scheme, where learners pair with someone in the branch who can informally support their learning and union involvement
- offer non-directive coaching to support ESOL learning. This could be offered one-to-one or in group settings
- explore access to other opportunities for language practice – ESOL learning online, local libraries, community groups, family learning, etc.
After the course
- celebrate learners’ achievement. Invite learners, UNISON branch officers and reps, the employer, the course tutor and anyone else involved to an event.
Consider:
- food and drink
- certificates
- prizes
- short speeches
- photographs
- quotes for use in a write-up
- follow up with learners, the employer and learning provider to discuss what went well, what progression opportunities are available, and what could be improved
- share success with your UNISON regional education team and with Learning and Organising Services.
- share your success widely. Many people within UNISON and beyond will be interested in what you’ve achieved and how you did it. Write something for your branch newsletter, regional and national website, UNISON’s Organising Space, Unionlearn’s blog, and promote in UNISON migrant workers’ networks.
- consider organising opportunities arising from ESOL learning – any workplace issues raised, potential activists identified, possible negotiating opportunities with the employer, members’ links to community and other networks outside the union