Intellectual Discourse: The E-list Discussion on Church-Based ESL

Meredith Bricker, [email protected]

During the past several months, the Christian Educators in TESOL Caucus (CETC) e-list has provided members with numerous interesting discussions regarding a diverse collection of topics.  As a new member of the CETC e-list, I have been pleased to have the opportunity to “listen in” on the intellectual discourse of fellow Christian professionals as they discuss ESL classroom issues and other professional topics from a Christian perspective. One particularly useful discussion recently provided an updated summary of some easily accessible and highly recommended church-based ESL course materials. A list of resources recommended by CETC members during this discussion is reproduced below.

English Lessons Based on the Bible

• Cirafesi, W. (1995). English in action: A Fast and fun way to learn English. Colorado Springs: Dawson Media.
• Edwards, D. (2006). A window to the world: Teaching English to speakers of other languages. Pasadena, CA: Open Door Publishers. (www.jesusfilm.org/resources/window/index.html)
• Reece, G. (1997). English lessons from the Bible: Book of Mark. Alpharetta, GA: North American Mission Board.

English Materials With Companion Bible Lessons

• International Network’s Adventures in English curriculum. A sample lesson is available at http://efca.org/international/media/adventuresinenglish.pdf.
• Corley, D. (n.d.). Speak English: Open the door to the world. Michael Gott International.
• Burkhart, D. (2006). Helping internationals succeed with English. Kansas City, MO: Nazarene Publishing House. (www.hisenglish.com)

Resources for Designing a Church-Based Curriculum

• Brummelen, H. V. (1994). Steppingstones to curriculum: A Biblical approach. Seattle, WA: Alta Vista College Press.
• Burke, S. E. (1998). ESL: Creating a quality English as a second language program. Pasadena, CA: Open Door Publishers.
• Pazmino, R. W. (1997). Foundational issues in Christian education: An introduction in evangelical perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.

A comprehensive resource for finding additional church-based ESL materials is the “Resource List of Bible-based ESOL Materials” compiled by J. Wesley Eby and originally published as a supplement to the CETESOL Newsletter (Vol. 8, No. 3) in 1996. For a reprint of the article, visit www.cetesol.org/news/Esl-bible-based-list-96.pdf.

Through its monthly topics as well as discussion of other issues relevant to Christian educators in TESOL, the CETC e-list provides a unique forum in which CETC members’ spiritual and professional development may be cultivated. It’s the perfect place to ask a question and to receive helpful responses from fellow CETC members. To join the e-list, CETC members should log in to the TESOL Web site (www.tesol.org), click My Profile, and then click View Profile. To add the CETC e-list, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Edit. In the Communications Options and Professional Information link, scroll to the Preferences area, and check Join Caucus e-list(s).

Meredith Bricker teaches at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.