Learner Personas

By: Felicia Pulo and Kelley Craig

Persona 1

An Image of the Person	Name: Ruru Lin Age: 6 Newcomer to Canada. Parents moved here from Taiwan 8 months ago.  Parents have intermediate English skills Ruru has an 8 year old sister who is taking ESL classes as well
Education and Experience	First time in an English-speaking class.  Finished kindergarten equivalent in Taipei.
English Language Proficiency	Parents have taught her to count to 10 and she can recite and write the English alphabet.
Digital Skills	No computer skills but can work an iphone
Learning Strategies	Will need a lot of direction from the teacher.
Cultural Considerations	Was taught to be very respectful of her elders, especially teachers
Motivation and Desires	Wants to be able to speak enough English so she can play with other kids.
Goals and Expectations	Basic English phrases
Obstacles to Success	The fact she's so young could be challenging
Unique Assets	Very happy and friendly child

Persona 2

An Image of the Person	Name: Tanya Popov Age: 48 Newcomer to Canada; has been here for 10 months. Married with one child.  Child is an intermediate English speaker. Was an Engineer in Kiev. Loves cooking, music and celebrity gossip.
Education and Experience	University educated; engineering degree
English Language Proficiency	Beginner.  Knows the English alphabet
Digital Skills	Solid computer and smart phone skills
Learning Strategies	Will need a lot of guidance from the
Cultural Considerations	Very homesick
Motivation and Desires	Wants to know enough English to do average daily tasks without relying on her child for help
Goals and Expectations	Basic English phrases
Obstacles to Success	Busy life
Unique Assets	Creative and has a great sense of humour

Persona 3

An Image of the Person	Name: Kareena Asfour Age: 16 Background: Kareena is a 16 year old high school student whose family is from Egypt. She is the oldest of 4 children and the most proficient in English out of her family. Her family has been living in Winnipeg since she was 14. She is currently attending an English speaking high school and had some rudimentary beginner English lessons in Egypt. Although she is an intermediate learner, she is very determined as she is often given the task of translating for her parents and siblings.
Education and Experience	Some high school, beginner level English classes, immersion in English speaking high school.
English Language Proficiency	Upper-intermediate, frequently translates for parents and siblings.
Digital Skills	Average for a person her age
Learning Strategies	Frequently asks for verification and correction on annunciation and grammar, prefers to have clear expectations of the points of her exercises, desires frequent feedback.
Motivation and Desires	Wants to improve English so she can help her parents and siblings
Unique Assets	Has a commitment to learning, but under a fair amount of pressure, good listener, treats teacher as leader, but can be easily stressed.