Remote learning stories: Faculty member creates virtual classroom experiences for ESL teacher candidates

Several English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher candidates had just started their 10-week student teaching placement when Grand Valley and K-12 schools moved to remote instruction in March.

Rui Niu-Cooper, associate professor of education and director of ESL and TESOL programs, said her students were excited about going into their placements to gain experience.

"When the governor called for the end of face-to-face instruction for K-12 schools in Michigan, my students kept asking me whether they could continue," said Niu-Cooper. "Parents of K-12 students and members of community organizations were asking the same question."

Niu-Cooper contacted local ESL students through a network of families and a local refugee center she works with to create virtual classroom experiences for GVSU teacher candidates. She developed a plan to have seven online classes for her 11 student teachers as their ESL student teaching field placements. More than 70 local K-12 students participated in the classes. 

"The students were so thankful that each of their classes had about 10 students at various English and cognitive levels, giving them the opportunity to implement both instructional and assessment differentiations with their learners," said Niu-Cooper.

ESL student teacher Madeline Zimmerman said at first she was unsure about how to engage 10 kindergarteners online. 

"After a few weeks in, I felt more confident with my instruction and my kiddos really loved each session," said Zimmerman. 

Hannah Gallon said providing remote instruction was an important learning experience for her. "I’m so grateful for my group of ninth and tenth graders for working with me as I navigated teaching online. Seeing their smiling faces each week kept me sane during that crazy time," said Gallon. 

Niu-Cooper said parents were so appreciative of the work by student teachers they collected donations and purchased Zoom usage so instruction could last longer than the free 40-minute period allowed by Zoom.

This remote teaching opportunity allowed the GVSU teacher candidates to complete their required clinical field experience hours and provided a valuable service to students and families in the community, said Niu-Cooper. 

"This was a unique experience for our student teachers to practice, to be guided and to be trained online," she said. "ESL student teachers are highly sought after for employment in K-12 schools and this experience has made them even more marketable." 

Niu-Cooper received the Community Engaged Teaching Faculty Excellence Award from Campus Compact for Michigan for creating the virtual classroom experiences for her student teachers.