Episode 50: Exploring Best Practices in Canadian Settlement Language Training

About this episode

The episode discusses best practices in Canadian settlement language training, focusing on synchronous teaching and the development of a practical guide and PD course.

In this episode of the Avenue Canada Podcast, Matthias Sturm (Avenue) is joined by Marijke Geurts (Avenue) and Anita Premkumar (ISANS) to reflect on 'Best Practices for Synchronous Teaching in LINC/PBLA', a national research collaboration exploring effective online and blended instruction. They discuss the challenges and opportunities during the research, outcomes of the project and what learners said they needed most—digital skills, clear expectations, meaningful interaction, and varied multimedia tools. The conversation highlights the development of a practical Best Practices Guide and a flexible PD course, grounded in research, field testing, and instructor feedback from programs across Canada. For those interested, the 'Best Practices Guide' and the 'Best Practices for Synchronous/Blended Teaching - PD Course' are available on Avenue and Settlement Online (by ISANS). Please contact Anita Premkumar < apremkumar@isans.ca > or Marijke Geurts < marijke.geurts@avenue.ca > to request access to the course. Length is 10:13.

People in this episode

Host: Matthias Sturm

Guests: Marijke Geurts, Anita Premkumar

Topics covered

• Canadian Settlement Language Training
• Best Practices
• Synchronous Teaching
• Online Instruction
• Blended Learning
• Digital Skills
• Instructor Feedback

Keywords

• LINC
• PBLA
• online teaching
• blended instruction
• digital skills
• multimedia tools
• professional development

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ISANS, Avenue

Books & works: Best Practices Guide, Best Practices for Synchronous/Blended Teaching - PD Course