A Case Study of Employee Participation in a Workplace ESL Program

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a study undertaken in the spring of1997 of a workplace ESL program offered at a rubber parts manufacturing plant in Toronto. The purpose of the study was to recommend changes in program delivery that might facilitate and encourage employees to enroll in the ESL program. The premise of the study was the belief that given appropriate circumstances and conditions, all employees can be motivated to participate. This premise was supported by similar research in the field that explored how various factors beyond the desire to learn may affect an individual's decision to participate in formal learning opportunities. In order to explore these factors, a questionnaire was distributed to employees. Based on the findings from this survey, the following recommendations were made. First, classes should be held during the working day and that part of the class time be paid for. This was to replace the cash incentive provided by the employer at the end of the program year. Second, the location of the lessons should be moved from the existing location, the cafeteria, to a meeting room. Last, the program should be strengthened by greater involvement of employees and employer in program development.