There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ method for helping new immigrants to Canada get a solid handle on the English language, according to Bula Ghosh, Program Coordinator with Great Plains College (GPC) in Swift Current.
GPC campuses across the region, including those in Warman and Martensville, offer English language training courses.
But the content and method of delivery varies in each community depending on the needs of the students, according to Ghosh.
“We serve a wide array of people over a very large geographic area,” said Ghosh in an interview. “Thanks to funding from both the federal and provincial governments, we’re able to tailor programs to accommodate different requirements.
“The programs are based on the needs of the learners, and the resources we have available.”
Ghosh said the GPC offers seven types of courses at various locations.
These include Portfolio Based Language (PBLA) in Warman, Swift Current, Outlook and Gravelbourg; Conversation classes (in Ponteix); Tutoring (in Rosetown, Maple Creek, Shaunavon, Gull Lake and Fox Valley); ELT Business English (in Warman); Online Conversation Class group sessions; LINC Home Study (individualized online English program for permanent residents only); and individualized English Online program for non-permanent residents.
Some classes require a minimum of eight students, while others allow individualized online study. There is no tuition fee for students; costs are covered by government funding.
Ghosh said the past five years have seen an increase in the number of students enrolled in English language courses. Many require help in mastering basic English language skills, while others are looking for advanced tutoring to become more proficient in communicating with employers, customers and people in their community.
“Some programs, such as the one in Warman, provides essential skills for people getting ready for the workplace,” she said. “It’s not just language skills; it also includes other ‘soft skills’ and helping people become familiar with the culture.”
She noted the course aimed at improving ‘Business English’ skills in Warman was designed to fit the needs of the learners in the community.
“When the Chamber of Commerce approached the college, they wanted to come up with a way of helping the many entrepreneurs in the area, and build a good relationship with them,” she said. “Language can be a very significant barrier. Offering language training helps entrepreneurs succeed in business.
“We found at the beginning of the program that language skill levels varied quite a bit and we tried to address that.”
She said the college is offering a ‘generic English language’ program in the evening to enable newcomers to upgrade their basic language skills prior to taking the Business English course.
Since the introduction of the course, several of the new businesses have joined the chamber of commerce.
“If you’re trying to run a business in isolation, you miss out on opportunities,” said Ghosh. “The language course offered an opportunity for the chamber to create a relationship with these entrepreneurs, and for them to become part of, and work with, the bigger business community.”
Ghosh said successful language courses, like other programs offered at the college, are based on the needs of students.
“The focus is on those we’re serving,” she said. “The programs change as the needs of the clientele and the community change.”