eVALBEC 
October 2016 | VALBEC | Web version
In this Issue
1. Tools
The 2016 Foundation Skills Assessment Tool (FSAT)
2. Fine Print
Next Fine Print
From the Vault: Cultural orientation to Australian workplaces
3. Free Resources
Numeracy
A Fuller Sense of Self - book and video
4. Courses
5. Can I add content?
1. Tools
The 2016 Foundation Skills Assessment Tool (FSAT)
The 2016 Foundation Skills Assessment Tool (FSAT), funded by the Department of Education, is now available for use. FSAT is an interactive online tool designed to identify and measure an individual's foundation skill levels which includes English language, literacy and numeracy skills as well as employability skills.
This tool will enable training providers to benchmark the language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) levels of their students, so they can measure the effectiveness of their programs through pre and post assessment.
Access FSAT here. The registration manual should be read prior to proceeding with registration.
2. Fine Print
Next Fine Print
Fine Print is sent to all VALBEC members.
In the next edition of Fine Print, David Birch writes about a successful project with the Young Migrant English Program at TasTAFE in Hobart.
'The project wanted to make use of narrative texts, for their concern with social and emotional concepts, to prompt students to consider new ways of seeing and experiencing the world, productive ways of understanding themselves and others, and healthy ways of dealing with challenges'.
Following on from Lindee Conway's ISS institute fellowship and her presentation at the recent VALBEC forum, her article explores further
'The time I spent in New Zealand afforded me about ten years of learning. It was remarkably enlightening and the welcome and generosity shown to me by Kiwi colleagues was just as remarkable'.
Have you ever considered writing for Fine Print? You might want to write be about a project you have been working on or teaching tips that are tried and true, or reflections on the policy climate changes or maybe just a good news story about the work being done at your learning centre. Send your contributions to info@valbec.org.au
From the Vault: Cultural orientation to Australian workplaces
Each month a VALBEC committee member selects a specific article from the Fine Print archive that illustrates good teaching practice, describes theories related to a ranges of literacies, explores a particular topic of interest or has some synergy with the present environment.
Fine Print, Vol 36, #2, 2013, p.13
This article by Dr Lynda Achren is spot on when she discusses the findings from 'Responding to CALD Learners: Cultural Diversity in Action'. At the time of its original publication I remember sending it to many colleagues teaching in Holmesglen's high level EAL programs for overseas trained professionals. It was affirming to read about some action research which supported much of what we were aiming to do in our teaching.
Preparing students for work in Australia includes more than improving their grammar and extending their vocabulary. Lynda explains how we need to assist students to notice the differences in the culture of Australian workplaces and compare them to their own countries. So enabling them to reflect on, compare and become aware of the differences in workplaces. There is no suggestion of right or wrong, just differences in cultural behaviour. Think about the hidden hierarchy, the informality of addressing colleagues and bosses, the reporting structures, the expected roles, responsibilities and initiative of workers, and the expectation that workers will ask questions of clarification to superiors.
For those of you who are working in settings that prepare learners for work in Australia, I encourage you to re- read this article and reflect on your practice.
from Rhonda Raisbeck
3. Free Resources
Numeracy
'Building Strength with Numeracy' - practical, tested resources for teachers to use in a range of settings and made accessible online. Each section of each topic is a PDF allowing immediate downloading, printing and use by teachers and students.
The first six topics are provided as a free download for all numeracy practitioners.
** The topics 'Decimals and 'Measurement' are free to VALBEC members and available for a small charge for non-members.
Building Strength with Numeracy
A Fuller Sense of Self - book and video
Six people described why they returned to education and how that decision shaped and changed their lives for the better. The stories illuminated their lives and learning experiences, describing the challenges they faced, the events that provoked their return to 'school', and ultimately how their lives had changed and shifted following that decision.
Five years on we revisit these students and their stories, to find out where they are now and to discover if and how learning continues to influence their life journey. We tracked down three of our original storytellers - Linda, David and Sue.
4. Courses
Holmesglen Institute
Certificate IV In EAL (Employment/ Professional) - Teachers & Business Professionals
Holmesglen's Employment/Professional programs prepare qualified teachers and business professionals from overseas for the Australian workplace.
During the 15-week program, you will receive 10 weeks of face-to-face classes taught by qualified English language teachers and 5 weeks at a work placement within a host organisation or a primary/secondary school.
Certificate IV In EAL (Employment/ Professional) - Health Professionals
Holmesglen's Employment/Professional programs prepare qualified overseas health professionals for the Australian workplace.
During the 20-week program, you will receive face-to-face classes taught by qualified English language teachers. Through the course you will prepare to sit the Occupational English Test, a requirement for any health professional who seeks to practise in Australia.
Certificate IV In EAL (Further Study) Nursing And Health Sciences
Further study for Nursing and Health Sciences programs prepare migrants and international students for Higher Education studies in Nursing, Oral Health, Laboratory Techniques, Pathology and other health-related industries.
During the 20-week program, you will be in face to face classes taught by qualified English language teachers and prepare for the demands of a Higher Education course in a health related field.
Contact T: 03 9209 5768 E: language.centre@holmesglen.edu.au holmesglen.edu.au
Location: Moorabbin
5. Can I add content?
Yes, eVALBEC often publishes relevant material from other organisations and individuals, subject to the approval by the VALBEC Committee. You should provide no more than 100 words and preferably include a web address for more information. You need to provide the preferred text rather than expect us to extract it from documents; if the text exceeds 100 words it may not be used. The text will be formatted in the same simple format as eVALBEC. Text should be provided three clear working days before the end of the month (e.g. by November 28 for the December newsletter).
All of this is subject to space as we try to keep eVALBEC compact but informative.