A survey of the teaching of English as a second language in Nova Scotia, April 1983 - March 1984

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine and describe programs for the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL) in Nova Scotia as they existed in the period April 1983 to March 1984. Answers were sought to the following questions: 1. Where are ESL programs found and who administers them? 2. Who are the students in ESL programs as defined by age and native language? 3. When are classes taught? 4. What books and teaching materials are used in ESL programs? How and by whom are they chosen? 5. What qualifications are required of ESL teachers? 6. What ESL teacher-training facilities exist in Nova Scotia? 7. What are the characteristics (goals, entrance requirements, program requirements, teaching methods recommended) of ESL teacher training facilities? To obtain this information, three questionnaires were constructed: one for elementary and secondary ESL programs, one for adult ESL programs and one for ESL teacher training programs. These questionnaires were sent to the superintendents of all provincial school boards, the principals of all regional vocational schools, the directors of provincial continuing education programs, federally funded programs, university programs and teacher-training programs. The percentage returns for the three questionnaires were 71.8 per cent for elementary and secondary programs, 72.5 per cent for adult programs and 85.7 per cent for teacher-training programs. Some of the more important findings from the survey are: 1. There were approximately 200 students of school age and 420 adults enrolled in ESL classes. 2. There were large numbers of non-English speaking adults in Nova Scotia who were not enrolled in ESL classes, the majority of these adults being French-speaking Canadians. 3. ESL programs existed throughout the province. 4. Textbooks were primarily chosen from American and British sources. 5. In most ESL programs, the only qualification required of teachers was fluency in English. Those hired to teach children were required to have a teaching certificate. 6. There is only one one-credit university course in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) offered in Nova Scotia.