Reflect

From 2004, ActionAid has supported the use of the Reflect approach within a UK ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) context, holding a number of introductory workshops and publishing a Reflect ESOL resource pack (PDF 615KB).

Pilot project

In 2007 ActionAid secured funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for a pilot and research project to examine the effectiveness of the approach in a UK ESOL setting. A coordinator was appointed and in July 2007 a two-day training/workshop was held at South Thames College. The workshop aims were to use the approach within an ESOL context, explore the issues around their implementation, understand the principles behind Reflect, set up action research procedures and plan/explore how to get started."

The ESOL teachers involved in the pilot project trialled the Reflect tools, process and philosophy for one academic year in discrete, vocational and community classes from Entry level 1 to Level 1 (beginners to upper intermediate). The project was evaluated by LLU+ South Bank University, looking at the extent to which the approach:

• supported language learning
• facilitated independent learning skills
• encouraged group dynamics and social interaction
• facilitated discussion around community participation and citizenship.

The LLU+ evaluation report (PDF 694KB) demonstrated the effectiveness of Reflect ESOL and linked it with other major current research, such as 'Speaking from Within', 'Turning Talk into Learning' (Cook and Roberts 2007 - Effective teaching and learning - ESOL - NRDC) and 'Responding to Peoples' Lives' Appleby and Barton, 2008 - Responding to peoples' lives (Developing adult teaching and learning practitioner guides. NRDC & NIACE).

What is Reflect ESOL?

Reflect ESOL is an approach which aims to be truly learner centred. It aims to address the power relationship between teacher and learners, by providing a structure which allows the teacher to step back and listen and for learners to be more open and have more say. A Reflect ESOL class is as diverse as our ESOL learners. It aims to focus on the language, ideas and concerns expressed by them and encourage a space where genuine dialogue can take place.

The Reflect ESOL tools provide a means to systematically record the points of a discussion and the language created (in whatever form) for deeper analysis. This can make the approach seem challenging for teachers who are used to pre-determined outcomes or target-based models. However each teacher can take the approach at a pace which is comfortable to them and to their ESOL learners.

Training, Workshops and Related Events

Check out the events page or click here.