The next meeting for the ESOL Research Community will be held on Thursday 15th January 2026 from 4 - 5.30pm via Teams. As always, it is free to attend and everyone is welcome. Thank you to NATECLA and CRELLA for supporting this event.
Testing and assessing reading in the ESOL context
there will be two talks where the presenters will share their research on testing and assessing reading. Each talk will last 20 minutes with 10 minutes for questions, then in the final 30 minutes we will go into breakout rooms for discussions on the issues raised by the presenters.
Dr Rim Day - Northumbria University
Reading assessment for ESOL low-literate learners
This talk will explore the reading assessment framework used for LESLLA (Literacy Education and Second Language Learning for Adults) learners in pre-entry ESOL classes in England. It highlights the importance of fair, meaningful assessment tools that capture small progress, addressing the limitations of traditional methods. Participants will examine assessment approaches in ESOL, discuss challenges faced by LESLLA learners, and review practical reading assessment tools suitable for this context. The session aims to equip ESOL practitioners with effective strategies and resources to support initial literacy development, ensuring assessments serve as pathways rather than barriers for low-literate adult learners.
About the speaker:
Experienced English language teacher and ESOL practitioner with over 17 years of diverse teaching, specialising in low-literate learners. My PhD research at Northumbria University focuses on fair and valid assessment for low-literate ESOL students. Additionally, I serve as an academic tutor at the University of Sunderland, supporting PGCE and MA Education students.
Emma Fitzpatrick - Hopwood Hall College
How can we better prepare learners for reading exams—without sacrificing engagement or confidence?
This presentation shares practitioner research exploring how past paper questions can be embedded outside of ESOL and Functional Skills lessons in ways that are purposeful, empowering, and learner-centred. Rather than relying on last-minute cramming or isolated test practice, the research investigates how integrating exam-style questions into weekly homework activities can foster familiarity, alleviate anxiety, and enhance outcomes.
If you teach reading in any exam-based context and want practical, research-informed strategies to support your learners, this session is for you. Come away with adaptable ideas, real-world examples, and a renewed sense of how exam prep can be both effective, engaging and completed at home. Leaving you the time to do what really matters, teach.
About the speaker:
I specialise in delivering Functional Skills English and Ascentis ESOL qualifications across a wide range of levels, from Pre-Entry to Level 2. I have a strong focus on literacy development, exam preparation, and supporting learners with real-life communication skills. As a Teaching & Learning Champion, I have contributed to curriculum development, supported quality improvement initiatives, and led CPD sessions for staff.
To register for the event, please complete this form: ESOL Research Community 15th January 2026 Event – Fill in form
Please note, the form will close 24 hours before the start of the event. If you register and do not receive the link, please re-register as it could mean there is a typo in your email address and it has bounced back.
The event is completely free to attend, and we are committed to keeping it that way. If you have found value in these events and would like to support a good cause, we invite you to make a donation to the Ruth Hayman Trust. The Trust supports ESOL learners with small grants to support education and training. There is absolutely no obligation to donate, but if you are in a position to contribute, it would be gratefully received by the charity.
