Dylan Parker

Bio

Dylan Parker is a dedicated educator and fervent advocate for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) education. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics in1999, Dylan embarked on a journey to South Korea, where he immersed himself in teaching English to young learners. Over two years, Dylan delved into scientific literature on memory, curriculum design, and teaching methodologies to enhance learning outcomes. Combining these insights, he meticulously crafted English Planet, an innovative syllabus that garnered acclaim from principals and educators alike. Returning to New Zealand in 2018 to support his children's education, Dylan introduced English Planet to their school, revolutionizing their ESOL program. Through continual refinement and adaptation, English Planet has evolved into a culturally responsive resource tailored for the New Zealand ESOL classroom. This adaptation includes transitioning from textbooks to A3-sized cards, enhancing the diagnostic test, and integrating supplementary worksheet activities. Aligned with the English Language Learning Progressions, English Planet now serves as a cornerstone for ESOL and ORS learners across major cities in New Zealand. Dylan's dedication to advancing ESOL education extends beyond the classroom. Having presented at CLESOL conferences and taught for three years in a new entrant class, he now teaches ESOL part-time at a primary school in the Bay of Plenty. Additionally, Dylan provides Professional Learning and Development (PLD) sessions for learning support staff, sharing strategies and approaches rooted in his innovative resource. Through his multifaceted contributions, Dylan Parker continues to empower educators and support language learners on their journey to proficiency in English.

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Prescribing a Course of Study for Primary-aged Emergent ESOL Through Diagnostic Testing

October 10 @ 12:10 pm - 1:00 pm

Teachers specialising in the education of primary-aged emergent English language learners are tasked with identifying the learner’s competencies as well as the areas the individual requires more support with. The steps needed to successfully accelerate ESOL learners to the social and academic English level of their peers are then organised and articulated in a prescriptive course of study. This presentation will unpack and analyze an oral fluency diagnostic test that was developed for English language institutions abroad and has since been adapted to align with the English Language Learning Progressions framework. The diagnostic test systematically progresses through the foundation structures of the English language to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the learner’s oral fluency. The presentation will also provide insights on how to connect an ESOL learner’s academic competency to mainstream learning. This process is designed to help answer some of the more common questions a teacher may ask themselves about a new English language learner. For instance, where do I start? How much English does this student know? What is the next teaching step? How do I build confidence in the learner to accelerate learning?

Details

Date:
October 10
Time:
12:10 pm - 1:00 pm
Event Category:

Organiser

Dylan Parker
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