ABSTRACT

A large supermarket chain has contracted with one of our local adult community centers to provide English as a second language classes for their employees. Marta is teaching in the break room. There are tables and chairs, which give the space a classroom-like atmosphere, and a portable white board has been moved to the front of the room. There is also a sink, microwave, refrigerator, coat racks, lockers, couches, chair, and drink machines. Newspapers and magazines are strung about. Although it appears to be a well-used and busy break room, the manager has assured Marta that other employees will not be in and out during the time that she is teaching. She teaches one group of learners twice a week, but they are of mixed levels relative to English language proficiency. I am observing Marta’s class of 12 adult learners.