The findings by Bangor University and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Hub Wales form part of a new report, Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (TrACE)-informed training for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) practitioners in Wales: understanding current provision and gaps.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs help adults in the UK, whose first language is not English or Welsh, develop their English skills.
ESOL learners come from diverse backgrounds, including those who have experienced forced migration and immigrants from non-English-speaking countries. Learners may have experienced prolonged or complex trauma.
Researchers say it is essential that ESOL teachers understand the impact of trauma and how to respond effectively, to provide the best possible support for their learners.
Through interviews with ESOL teachers or practitioners across Wales, the research found that ESOL teachers currently have received little to no training on trauma, despite its significant impact in the classroom.
The research identifies the specific needs of ESOL teachers regarding trauma-informed training and provides recommendations to enhance training provision in Wales.
Recommendations include that training should be tailored to the ESOL setting, taking into account the complexities around how trauma may present in the ESOL classroom.
It is argued that trauma-informed training for ESOL practitioners should be a priority, and the findings provide the insights needed to enhance training in Wales and improve support for learners.
Natasha Judd, Public Health Collaborating Unit, Bangor University, said: “Our participants noted that learner trauma not only affects learners themselves but can also impact the teaching environment and teacher wellbeing. We recommend that trauma-informed training should focus on supporting both learners and educators.”
Dr Kat Ford, Public Health Collaborating Unit, Bangor University, said: “All participants expressed a need and desire for more trauma-informed training. Our findings provide a strong foundation, but future research should also look to incorporate perspectives of ESOL learners. The learner experience will be integral to training development.”
Dr Jo Hopkins, Director of ACE Hub Wales, said: “At ACE Hub Wales, we have been working with schools, Further and Higher education institutions across Wales to implement our Trauma and ACE-Informed Organisations Toolkit. We are using the findings from this study to advocate for further support for ESOL practitioners across Wales and recognise the opportunity to increase understanding of trauma and how it might impact the lives of everyone in our communities through the work of our incredible teachers. Providing resources and training to equip them with the skills to support learners who have experienced ACEs or trauma is vital."
View the Trauma and ACE-Informed Organisations Toolkit here (link opens in new tab).