Program

Language Assistants

Language Assistant's Role

Language assistants do not replace teachers.

Under the supervision of a teacher, your role will be to encourage students to improve their knowledge of the targeted language and culture — including all forms of language, art, music, and the shared values of a particular society — and to use the language on a daily basis.

Elementary and secondary levels

At the elementary and secondary levels, your work will consist mostly of preparing activities that focus on language (oral comprehension and oral expression). You will develop activities that reflect everyday communication situations to help students improve their language skills while experiencing relevant situations in English. These activities will also offer cultural content to those who use English as a second language. You will lead these activities along with the teacher in the classroom, or you may work with a small group of students in a separate room.

Postsecondary level

At the postsecondary level, your role as language assistant will be somewhat different. You will not necessarily work in a classroom with the instructor. Instead, you might be called upon to lead sessions with small groups of students in language labs. You will also encourage and facilitate exchanges between students to promote language and culture.

Description of tasks

Under the supervision of the teacher or instructor, your tasks may include the following:

• encouraging students to participate in oral communication activities
• preparing classroom activities that focus on learning language and culture
• leading small groups of two to ten students
• motivating students to learn English
• encouraging students to appreciate your culture while respecting other cultures
• participating in evening and weekend cultural activities
• helping students with language labs at the postsecondary level (although this activity should be kept to a minimum)

In addition, you must be available to meet with the teacher or instructor at least once a week.

 

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