In an effort to meet the language learning needs of refugees and immigrants in the Des Moines area, students at Drake University have partnered with the U.S. Committee on Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) in a service-learning project.
During the spring semester, students in the School of Education’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Methods course developed a series of 14 English lessons on topics provided by Amy Campos, director of USCRI. Lessons include general curriculum materials, guidance for volunteer teachers who will be teaching the lessons, and federal assessments of the programs.
“This collaborative project has required Drake students to go above and beyond in their work to learn the art of developing ESL lessons and assessments,” says ESL Methods instructor Shelley Fairbairn. “This project’s authenticity has deepened their learning and has allowed them to make a valuable contribution to one of Des Moines’ two refugee resettlement agencies.”
The Drake students will present their lesson plans to Campos as part of a special celebration held on Monday, May 13. The event begins at 7:15 p.m., and will be held at the School of Education building, Room 214, 3206 University Avenue.
For more information, contact Shelley Fairbairn at 515-271-1954 or shelley.fairbairn@drake.edu.