Location and Timing of Classes

This is important to focus on whether you are starting up a class or are looking to expand your well-established program. Often programs make adjustments to class locations and timing from year to year, to better meet the needs of their learner populations, which may change over time. Programs will also want to be sensitive to different cultural norms or needs.

■ How do I decide what the best location is for my class?

This will mainly stem from the mission of your program as well as the size of your budget, here are some considerations:

• Close to community you wish to serve
• Accessible by public transportation
• Cost (if a program can find free space, they can use limited program funds for other things such as classroom materials, but if the space is not appropriate or convenient for learners, this may not be a wise saving)
• Easy entry to building for instructors/program staff as well as learners
• Well-lit if evening class
• Size of room(s)
• Availability of whiteboards, AV equipment, other necessary facilities (such as childcare area)

• Ability to arrange far enough in advance​

■ What do I need to think about when determining when and for how long the class will meet?

Time of day to offer class

• Dependent upon learner population—best known through learner survey
• Evening or weekend classes work best for those who work during the day, but public transportation options may be more limited at these times

Length of class period/hours per week

• What are realistic expectations for your learners?
• A greater exposure to English will help the learners to make gains. Classes that meet more than once a week provide more opportunity to practice English skills; for some learners, in class may be their only time to practice.

Length of session

• Managed enrollment classes—standard of providing at least 120 hours of instruction time in a year
• Related to how many hours per week class is offered • Some programs have found that shorter sessions are better for learner retention, and have adjusted their program structure accordingly to offer more hours of class over fewer weeks. Learners may find it easier to stick with a shorter, more intensive session, and are able to have a feeling of accomplishment in a shorter amount of time.
• The length of each session varies widely among providers in the MCAEL network. For managed enrollment classes, some are as short as 8 weeks, some as long as 20 weeks. Most are in the 12-16 week range.

Number of sessions a year

• Dependent upon program budget, other services/ classes the organization offers, learner base