The voices of ESOL: A narrative discovery of the learning experiences of students attending ESOL classes in a further education college in the North East of Ireland

Burns, Majella (2022) The voices of ESOL: A narrative discovery of the learning experiences of students attending ESOL classes in a further education college in the North East of Ireland. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

In the last 20 years, Ireland has gone through significant changes we have moved on from a land of Paddie’s to a multicultural nation with a diverse demographic population. This can be evidently seen from our workplaces to our schools and colleges. One such note is the increase in participation levels within further education, particularly in the area of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. The rise in Ireland’s migrant population has seen the need for further provision in this area. Just in the last number of months, the war in Ukraine has forced civilians to flee and seek refuge in other countries. Many people have left Ukraine in hope of finding peace and solace to start a new life elsewhere. Ireland is one of the civilian’s chosen destinations to find sanctuary. It is envisaged that Ireland’s population will increase by 20,000, over the coming months as individuals flee Ukraine. It is also important to note that many other nationalities have come here to live out of free choice. Migrants have come to live in Ireland because of family connections, fleeing persecution, for educational pursuits or maybe they just want a change. Taking all the above into consideration. The seed was planted for the creation of this research to uncover the experiences of learners of ESOL classes as they navigate life in Ireland. On uncovering relevant literature around narrative inquiry there is limited coverage of the voices of ESOL students as they describe their learning journey with the English language in Ireland. To add to this literature on the narrative of students as they attend ESOL classes this study was created. Five learners were purposefully selected to take part in this inquiry to uncover their experiences and discuss challenges and triumphs as they learned and developed within the English language. From the findings of this discovery, three themes were ultimately chosen. “A Language of Power” “A Time and Place” “You learn I learn”. These themes gave voice to the students as their journey in Ireland was uncovered and told.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	L Education > LC Special aspects / Types of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland
Divisions:	Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning > Master of Arts in Educational Practice
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	03 Oct 2022 10:21
Last Modified:	03 Oct 2022 10:21
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5795

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