Comprehensive Guide to the Interface Canada English Program (CEWP) for Instructors | Knowledge Circle/MyLearningMyWay Centre d'aide

Introduction

The Interface Canada program is a structured English language training framework under the CEWP program. It is designed to help Canadian public servants achieve the linguistic proficiency required for their roles. This guide outlines the program's structure, materials, training objectives, and provides a reference for determining group levels to ensure consistency and synchronization among instructors and groups.

Program Structure

The Interface program covers three proficiency levels aligned with the Second Language Evaluation (SLE) framework:

Level A (Beginner)
Level B (Intermediate)
Level C (Advanced)

Each level is divided into workbooks that guide learners through progressively complex language skills.

Breakdown of Levels and Workbooks

1. Level A (Beginner)

Description:
Focuses on foundational communication for predictable, routine situations in the workplace.
Workbooks: 1 to 3
- Workbook 1: Basic greetings, introductions, and simple instructions.
- Workbook 2: Expands on simple routines and workplace vocabulary.
- Workbook 3: Consolidates foundational skills and prepares learners for intermediate communication.
Training Objectives (TOs): TO 01 to TO 25

TO Number	Training Objective	Workbook
TO 01	Introduce yourself and greet colleagues.	1
TO 02	Use polite expressions for basic interactions.	1
TO 03	Respond to simple yes/no and WH-questions.	1
TO 04	Express basic needs or preferences.	1
TO 05	Ask and answer questions about time, dates, and schedules.	1
TO 06	Provide and request simple information.	1
TO 07	Describe familiar objects or situations using basic terms.	2
TO 08	Understand and respond to simple instructions.	2
TO 09	Use basic workplace-related vocabulary in context.	2
TO 10	Describe routine activities or tasks.	2
TO 11	Make simple requests.	2
TO 12	Confirm and clarify information.	2
TO 13	Ask for repetition or rephrasing.	2
TO 14	Use appropriate expressions to start and end conversations.	2
TO 15	Participate in short dialogues about familiar topics.	3
TO 16	Give directions or instructions.	3
TO 17	Read and understand short written messages or notes.	3
TO 18	Write simple phrases or sentences for routine communication.	3
TO 19	Describe people, places, or events briefly.	3
TO 20	Make polite apologies or excuses.	3
TO 21	Respond appropriately to greetings and farewells.	3
TO 22	Understand basic numerical information.	3
TO 23	Use prepositions of time and place in simple sentences.	3
TO 24	Express agreement or disagreement politely.	3
TO 25	Identify and use basic workplace vocabulary.	3

2. Level B (Intermediate)

Description:
Develops independence in workplace communication, emphasizing clarity and structure.
Workbooks: 4 to 8
- Workbook 4: Transition from beginner to intermediate, focusing on maintaining conversations and writing short professional documents.
- Workbook 5: Discuss work processes and provide feedback.
- Workbook 6: Handle problem-solving discussions and write structured workplace reports.
- Workbook 7: Present and discuss workplace information confidently.
- Workbook 8: Consolidate intermediate-level skills and prepare for advanced communication.
Training Objectives (TOs): TO 26 to TO 76

TO Number	Training Objective	Workbook
TO 26	Initiate and sustain short conversations in a work context.	4
TO 27	Explain simple workplace procedures.	4
TO 28	Describe processes in a sequence.	4
TO 29	Use connectors to link ideas (e.g., and, but, then).	4
TO 30	Write short professional emails or memos.	4
TO 31	Take simple notes from phone conversations or meetings.	4
TO 32	Ask for and provide clarification on instructions.	5
TO 33	Respond to workplace inquiries with complete sentences.	5
TO 34	Participate in small-group discussions on familiar topics.	5
TO 35	Express preferences or recommendations.	5
TO 36	Handle straightforward customer or client inquiries.	5
TO 37	Use past, present, and future tenses in conversation.	5
TO 38	Report on completed tasks orally or in writing.	5
TO 39	Paraphrase simple statements to confirm understanding.	6
TO 40	Prepare basic workplace documents.	6
TO 41	Use workplace-related idiomatic expressions appropriately.	6
TO 42	Discuss plans, goals, and timelines clearly.	6
TO 43	Adapt communication based on the audience or context.	6
TO 44	Manage short problem-solving discussions.	6
TO 45	Express opinions politely in workplace discussions.	6
TO 46	Use appropriate tone and language for formal settings.	7
TO 47	Participate in meetings and contribute relevant ideas.	7
TO 48	Understand and summarize workplace policies.	7
TO 49	Recognize and use cultural nuances in language.	7
TO 50	Explain and discuss workplace priorities or changes.	7
TO 51	Manage simple conflicts or misunderstandings.	7
TO 52	Write short, structured reports or summaries.	8
TO 53	Give and respond to feedback constructively.	8
TO 54	Express empathy or understanding in workplace situations.	8
TO 55	Discuss workplace challenges and propose solutions.	8
TO 56	Provide detailed instructions for tasks or projects.	8
TO 57	Read and analyze intermediate-level workplace documents.	8
TO 58	Interpret numerical and graphical data in documents.	8
TO 59	Write clear explanations or descriptions of work tasks.	8
TO 60	Discuss workplace safety or protocol topics.	8
TO 61	Present information to small groups confidently.	8
TO 62	Respond effectively in phone conversations.	8
TO 63	Manage customer service interactions with professionalism.	8
TO 64	Discuss technical topics in familiar fields.	8
TO 65	Write persuasive or argumentative workplace communications.	8
TO 66	Review and edit workplace documents for clarity.	8
TO 67	Develop and deliver short presentations.	8
TO 68	Facilitate small-group discussions on workplace topics.	8
TO 69	Discuss organizational goals or strategies.	8
TO 70	Provide constructive suggestions for improvements.	8
TO 71	Write detailed summaries or recommendations.	8
TO 72	Adapt communication for diverse workplace audiences.	8
TO 73	Explain complex procedures in detail.	8
TO 74	Write technical or procedural instructions clearly.	8
TO 75	Lead discussions or meetings on familiar topics.	8
TO 76	Summarize workplace issues and propose actionable solutions.	8

3. Level C (Advanced)

Description:
Focuses on leadership communication, abstract discussions, and technical language use.
Materials: Interaction Canada (Sessions 1–4)
- Replaces Interface Canada at this level.
- Emphasizes high-level tasks such as leading meetings, delivering presentations, and drafting comprehensive reports.
Training Objectives:
- 20 Main Objectives: Handle high-stakes workplace interactions.
- 20 Specific Objectives: Resolve conflicts, mentor staff, and manage complex communication scenarios.

Determining a Group’s Level

To synchronize with the CEWP program, instructors should assess their group’s current progress against the workbooks and training objectives (TOs). Here’s how:

Step 1: Identify the Completed Workbook

Workbook 1: The group is at Level A Part 1 (Beginner 1).
Workbook 3: The group is completing Level A Part 2 (Beginner 2).
Workbook 5: The group is in Level B Part 1 (Intermediate 1).
Workbook 8: The group is finishing Level B Part 2 (Intermediate 2) and ready to transition to advanced training.

Step 2: Review Training Objectives

Compare the group’s skills with the TOs:

If the group is working on TO 01–25, they are in Level A.
If the group is working on TO 26–76, they are in Level B.

Step 3: Cross-Check with Lesson Content

Match the lesson content with workbook activities and TOs to ensure alignment.

Synchronization Between Groups and Instructors

To ensure consistency:

Maintain Clear Records:
Document the progress of each group, including completed workbooks and TOs.
Regular Communication:
Instructors should meet periodically to discuss group progress and share best practices.
Adhere to Program Objectives:
Use the TOs as benchmarks to evaluate group levels and individual progress.
Use Supplementary Materials Wisely:
Incorporate additional resources only if they align with the workbooks and TOs.

Conclusion

The Interface Canada program provides a structured pathway for English language learners in the Canadian public service. By understanding the workbooks, training objectives, and alignment with proficiency levels, instructors can ensure consistency and help learners achieve their linguistic goals. Regular communication among instructors and adherence to the program structure will enhance synchronization and support a unified learning experience.