Welcome to Walking Stick Blogger (WSB), a work in progress.
My name is Glenn Groulx, the curator of this sharing space. Over the past five years, this blog has been acting as an archive for earlier work. It serves as a portfolio for current and past professional activities, learning projects, previous academic work as well as an overview of workplace skills I have developed as an ESL instructor, an adult literacy educator, essential skills for the workplace and employ-ability skills.
Current Academic and Professional Interests:
Since May 2018, I have been facilitating a non-formal English language study circle for newcomers which provides an alternative to formal instruction for assisting newcomers practice English in a number of contexts within a supportive group.
(2019): enabling self-directed language learning using blogs; transformative learning, non-formal second language learning theories; fostering extensive reading, developing essential skills for new immigrants; methodologies for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); effective facilitation techniques of conversation circles, and developing English language study group activities.
(2018): adult basic education; Canadian Adult Reading Assessment (CARA); designing courses with Moodle; Structure of Intellect (SOI); brain gym, and developing foundations adult literacy programs.
(2017): Quantified Self; facilitator of ESL (English as a Second Language); Curriculum Developer, TOWES Invigilator and Facilitator, Essential Skills Assessment and Training, employment transitions, computer skills development, Literacy advocacy; hiking and personal fitness
(2014) edublogging, facilitating autonomous, self-regulated learning, immigration issues, settlement and integration, e-learning, ESL (English as a Second Language), protean careers, transformations and liminal change, life-work balance, career development; lifespan transitions, personal blogging, and community development.
I have been applying my experience as a blogger to creating a reflective learning blog, a blog intended to discuss issues and demonstrate the use of blogs for adult educators and adult learners. It is also intended for ESL instructors and learners seeking to find out more on how to use blogs. More recently, I want to introduce topics and resource links related to settlement for newcomers.
I have had experience teaching adult literacy working with learners at Northwest Community College, BC, Canada between 2006 and 2012. I then switched professions and managed a settlement resource centre at Hecate Strait Employment Development Society and had been working with new immigrants from May 2012 to April 2017, while also teaching ESL (English as a Second Language).
In April 2017, I moved on to help manage a local motel, and took on a short-term training position as an essential skills trainer with mature workers till June 2017.
In September, 2017, I took on a challenging position as Coordinator and Lead Instructor of the College ESL program. This was another short contract that finished at the end of March 2018.
