Dr Sue Ollerhead comments on Australia’s “Unlimited English” programme

While these changes are historic and positive in allowing learners greater and more flexible access to English classes, I have reservations about the government’s intention to make greater use of technology… to either replace or supplement classroom learning.

Australia’s Adult Migrant English Program has never been only about language learning. It has been a vital bridge between frequently isolated and marginalised migrants and the Australian way of life. Its strength has been its ability to combine language teaching with activities that help migrants to make concrete connections with everyday social situations, such as visits to banks or health clinics.

My concern is that, in the interests of providing unlimited hours of flexible English tuition, aimed largely at preparing migrants for the workplace, the humanistic functions of the AMEP will be superseded.

The proposed “one size fits all” approach to mass English provision will fail to account for the diverse factors that drive learners to acquire a language in their adult years. Language learning is difficult and demanding work, and there are many other pressing matters on adult migrants’ minds, such as financial security, housing and family wellbeing.

To be successful, programmes need to fully understand and tap into those approaches that engage adult migrants, and set them up for successful citizenship.