ELT well assessment session

Sometimes in our classes we come across a student who just does not seem to be learning in the same way as the rest of the cohort. S/he may seem quite communicative and even quite bright in some ways, but have greater difficulty than expected with some tasks, such as remembering new vocabulary and structures, and producing coherent written text. It may take him/her longer than everybody else to complete a task, or s/he may do completely the wrong task, despite careful instructions.

Working with these students can be challenging, and it's not always easy to decide what is causing the difficulties, or how best to help. The errors that language learners typically make in the target language, and the difficulties they experience as part of the language acquisition process, often look very similar to those reported by dyslexic learners working in their first language.

Wondering how you can identify dyslexia in your multilingual learners?

Unfortunately, the standardised tests that are used to identify specific learning differences in our English speaking students are not valid or suitable for use in a multilingual context. Therefore, in many colleges, learning support teams don't feel able to provide a service identifying dyslexia in students whose first language is not English.

That's why ELT well has developed a comprehensive battery of assessment tasks: "Cognitive Assessments for Multilingual Learners". This enables us to explore the full range of cognitive functioning, without relying on English language competence. This can assist teachers in accommodating their learners' needs in the classroom, and arranging extra time for their exams.

Cognitive Assessments for Multilingual Learners (CAML)

CAML is a suite of assessment tasks designed to be used in a collaborative process between the class tutor and the learning support team, to provide an holistic profile of the learner. The materials enable teachers to systematically observe the student in class, assess his/her cognitive profile, and discuss with both the learner and other staff how teaching can be made most effective.

Very often it is small changes in how classes are organised that will enable students with disabilities or learning differences to thrive in the language classroom. Other students will feel the benefit too! Assistive technology or specialist equipment can usually help, too, and ELT well is happy to advise on this after a consultation. See the page on inclusion for more information about language activities suitable for dyslexic learners.

CAML can also be used to build a case for applying for exam access arrangements for students who have specific learning differences (i.e. dyslexia). If you have learners whom you feel would benefit from extra time in their exams, but are not sure how to apply, please contact ELT well to find out more. An individual assessment could be arranged for your learner - see below for prices.

If you would like to know more about the CAML materials, please go to either the Spring 2012 page for information about training in your area, or see the page on Bespoke Training to find out how you could arrange a session for your whole team at your place of work.
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Prices for individual assessments at your UK venue during 2012 are as follows: 

Assessment consultation session: £250.00 + travel expenses* for the first student.

This includes a full report and disclosure of results to the student, if required.

Additional students can be assessed at a discounted rate, by negotiation. Some further discounts may be available if data can be collected from class groups which could contribute to the ongoing research project into handwriting speed. For more details, see the Research page.

Terms and Conditions
Prices include VAT, and all materials.
*Travel expenses mean a return journey (from Lancaster) by public transport if at all possible, or by car at a cost of 40p per mile if it is not possible. Some sessions may also incur accommodation costs, subject to discussion.

Payment should be made within 30 days of the event. Methods of payment could be:
                             by cheque (payable to ‘ELT well’, and sent to: ELT well, PO Box 774, Lancaster, LA1 9BP
                             by BACS transfer to Santander Account Number 420 209 57 / Sort Code 09-06-66
If payment is not made within 30 days, ELT well reserves the right to add a £5.00 administrative fee for each week of delay.

Please contact ELT well for more details about any of these options:
                         telephone: 0845 051 9328 e-mail: ams@ELTwell.co.uk

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Dr. Anne Margaret Smith is a sole trader, trading as: ELT well, PO Box 774, Lancaster, LA1 9BP, UK

ELT well: practical, flexible professional development