The IG-ESL initiative is a unique intergenerational English language learning program that was piloted during the summer of 2013 at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The program was designed to strengthen and expand college and secondary school students' English as a Second Language (ESL) skills while helping older adult volunteers develop professional skills in ESL education and expand their interests and abilities for engaging youth in community settings.
In the 2013 pilot project, voluntary college-educated third-ager (i.e., aged 55 or older) members of Hong Kong Polytechnic's Institute of Active Aging received specialized training in English language instruction. Next, college students interested in practicing their English language skills were matched with these third-agers for 12 weeks of hands-on activities designed to stimulate English language learning and practice and promote intergenerational understanding. All participants received Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits issued by Penn State University upon completion of the program.
Youth who participated in the entire program demonstrated significant improvements on five English proficiency tests (i.e., reading, listening, oral, outline writing, and essay writing), whereas students who dropped out of the program demonstrated declines in their English proficiency test scores. As for the third ager participants, the program experience provided them with an ESL teaching credential and reinforced their confidence and commitment for contributing to the social and academic skills development of children in schools and other community settings.
A 2013 article on the pilot project appeared in the China Daily-Hong Kong newspaper (in Chinese and English):
In recent years, Hong Kong people’s English language proficiency keeps declining. Last late year, a survey indicated that Hong Kong’s English language proficiency level ranked lower than many countries and regions in Asia. A new university-level collaboration provides training and “Intergenerational-ESL” certification for retired professionals who work with young people as “life coaches,” English language teachers, and conversation partners for sharing their life and work experiences.
A Walkthrough Guidebook for Intergenerational-ESL Users. Authors: Alan Lai (BNU/HKBU, United International College) and Matt Kaplan (Penn State University). Published in 2013 by Asia Education Times Ltd (H.K.)
Contact Us
- Professor, Intergenerational Programs and Aging
- Email msk15@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-7871
Contact Us
- Professor, Intergenerational Programs and Aging
- Email msk15@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-7871
