What would get more new employees ?
Metro North ABE conducted a Learner ’ s Voice Survey in the winter of 2023 to gather feedback from its students . A total of 138 learners responded , with almost equal numbers of learners currently working to those who are currently looking for work or have another barrier to working .
The survey results ( see pie charts on page two ) showed that a significant percentage of respondents felt that their job prospects would improve if they knew more English . Specifically , 60 % of respondents said they would have a better job if they knew more English . Additionally , 55 % of respondents said they would be more willing to try a new job if they knew the company also taught English , and 51 % of respondents said they would be willing to try a new job if they knew other people were learning English at work .
These results demonstrate the importance of English language skills in the workforce and the potential benefits of workplace learning programs . Metro North ABE is committed to providing education and training to help learners succeed in the workforce and these survey results will help inform the development of our classes .
The survey results also indicate the need for companies to provide language learning opportunities for their employees . It shows that employees are more likely to be interested in new job opportunities if the company provides English language training . This can be a win-win for both the company and the employees , as it can lead to better communication and job advancement for employees and a more skilled workforce for the company .
Using technology to reach more
A HyFlex classroom is a new approach to teaching that allows both in-person and online students to participate in the same class simultaneously . Since the pandemic , the Blaine Learning Lab has implemented the HyFlex model at all levels to increase student access to education .
“ With COVID-19 there was no choice ,” said site supervisor , Meagan Hymes . “ We had to flip and go completely online , and certainly that doesn ’ t work well for everybody .”
Hymes said that when in-person classes came back , there were students who found that being online actually worked better for them because of child care or transportation . “ So , we started thinking , how can we merge those two worlds ? The HyFlex technology allows us the opportunity to do that .”
One of the key benefits of the HyFlex approach is that it allows for a more inclusive and equitable learning environment . There is no difference in material — everyone gets the same . This ensures that all students have access to the same curriculum and resources , regardless of whether they are participating in-person or online .
Another advantage of the HyFlex approach is that it allows for a more interactive and engaging learning experience . “ I think it gives them the
3 experience of being in an actual classroom where they can see I am moving ,” Polina Huffman , a level one teacher at Blaine , said , “ I ’ m pointing at things , and students are working together . It helps to create a sense of community and engagement among students , even if they are participating in different modes of delivery .”
The HyFlex approach allows for more seamless integration of online and inperson students .
“ The students who are online are projected onto the screen so the students in the room can see who ’ s online ,” said Hymes . “ The students online can also see the students in the room , so we continue to build that community as one classroom , even though it ’ s two different modes of delivery .”
According to Hymes , this helps to create a sense of unity and collaboration among all students , regardless of whether they are participating in-person or online .
Overall , the HyFlex classroom is a valuable approach to teaching that allows for both in-person and online students to participate in the same class simultaneously , which can enhance the learning experience for all students . To see a HyFlex class in action , please see our video at https :// bit . ly / MetNohyflex .