The TNSE team recently had the opportunity to visit Collège Boréal’s Espace d’Innovation, de Recherche et d’Incubation (EIRI) at their new Toronto campus. This innovative space is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, research, and education in a dynamic, multicultural environment. It serves as a hub for students and professionals to collaborate on projects that bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications.
During our visit, we were invited to present "The World of Sabbih'' as a resource for ESL (English as a Second Language) students, particularly those studying Business English and Entrepreneurship. Mr. Bibhuti, an ESL instructor at Collège Boréal, incorporated the book and its accompanying resources into his curriculum to enhance his students’ English language skills while introducing them to important STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts.
Reading the Story: Understanding Life in Sabbih's World
Our session began with a collective reading of the story, where we explored the living conditions of Sabbih’s family and the challenges they faced, including the poor state of their local school. The narrative provided a poignant look at the hardships and resilience of Sabbih’s community. To make the experience more engaging, we shared an Instagram story that visually depicted these conditions, helping students to better understand the context and emotional weight of the narrative.
Reading the book with the students was an immersive experience. They were encouraged to analyze the text, discuss the characters' motivations, and reflect on the societal issues presented in the story. This exercise not only improved their reading comprehension but also sparked conversations about social inequality and the value of education.
Utilizing Online Resources: Vocabulary Building and Character Analysis
After reading the story, students were introduced to the online resources available on the "Le Monde de Sabbih" website. These resources included reading guides ("fiches de lecture") and detailed biographies of each character. The students were tasked with answering 20 questions from the booklet, which required them to delve deep into the text and explore the motivations, challenges, and growth of the characters.
This activity was particularly effective in expanding the students’ vocabulary. By working through the questions and referring to the character bios, students encountered new words and phrases in a meaningful context, enhancing their understanding and retention. The structured nature of the exercise also helped students develop critical thinking skills as they connected the dots between the story's events and the characters' actions.
Discussion on Education and STEM: A Global Perspective
Following the reading and vocabulary exercises, we facilitated a discussion on the importance of education, particularly in the context of STEM. Each student was invited to share their thoughts on the state of education in their respective countries compared to Tanzania, the setting of Sabbih's story.
This discussion opened up a broader conversation about the role of STEM education in shaping the future. Many students were not fully aware of the significance of STEM fields and how they can empower individuals and communities. By drawing parallels between Sabbih’s story and their own experiences, students gained a deeper appreciation for the value of education in fostering innovation and economic growth.
Our visit to Collège Boréal’s EIRI provided an enriching experience for both the students and the TNSE team. "The World of Sabbih" proved to be an effective tool for ESL education, offering students not only a chance to improve their English language skills but also to engage with important social and educational themes.
The discussions that followed the reading of the book were particularly impactful. Many students expressed that they had gained new insights into the global importance of STEM education, a field they previously knew little about. One student remarked, “Reading 'Le Monde de Sabbih' made me realize how education can change lives, and now I see why STEM is so important for our future.”
In conclusion, "Le Monde de Sabbih" offers a unique and valuable resource for ESL students, combining language learning with cultural exploration and awareness of critical global issues. Educators and teachers interested in using these resources can learn more and purchase the book here.
P.S. ESL or English teachers can utilize the available resources, including "reading guide" and character bios, to enhance their students' learning experience.
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