SYLLABUS
College
Connections - SK5
Spring
2001
Tuesdays,
5:00 to 7:50 - G Building - RVC
Rogue
Community College
Note:
This syllabus is a work in progress. The actual course topics will be
determined by your needs. Please use this material as a guide to possibilities
for exploration during the term.
INSTRUCTOR: Viola Olsen
OFFICE HOURS: MTW 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - G Building
PHONE: 245-7500 Ext.3111 or 535-9868
E-MAIL: volsen@rogue.cc.or.us
WEB PAGE: http://www.oocities.org/violsen/esl.html
COURSE CREDIT: Three Credits or No Credit
GRADED: Pass or No Pass
REQUIRED TEXT: Sentence Sense Study Guide
PREREQUISITE:
ESL Level IV or above. Instructor's approval is needed for enrollment. An oral proficiency interview and writing sample completed the first day of class or before will determine readiness for this course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The main purpose of this course is to help ESL students prepare for mainstream academic course work. The course integrates language related skills, such as writing, reading and speaking, with study techniques for college success. The class meets one night a week for three hours, and students are encouraged to spend extra time outside of class working on group projects or doing research at the library. These projects may involve investigating college entrance procedures, working on the class web page, visiting other college classes, attending community events, or preparing self-directed projects.
INTENDED OUTCOMES:
1. Language Skills
· Practice effective reading techniques to improve comprehension and retention of college level reading material.
· Write a variety of paragraph structures, short essays, narratives, personal letters, e-mail messages.
· Use effective sentence structure, syntax, and grammar – in written and oral discourse.
· Use creative and critical thinking skills in problem solving, reading and writing.
2. Techniques for College Success
· Set realistic and obtainable academic and personal goals.
· Design personal learning strategies based on preferred learning style.
· Develop and demonstrate effective study habits.
· Create and use a workable time management schedule.
· Demonstrate an ability to take complete and accurate lecture notes.
· Overcome test anxiety.
· Apply strategies for memory improvement.
· Develop methods for self-evaluation.
3. Personal Development
· Improve self-image and self-confidence
· Accept responsibility for personal attitude and achievement
· Develop lifelong learning strategies
· Create personal long-term and short term goals.
4. College Entrance Procedures
· Become familiar with the college entrance process, taking the placement tests, applying for financial aid, choosing courses.
ASSESSMENT:
·
Entrance Exam
You will submit a writing sample and participate in an Oral Proficiency Interview at the beginning of the term.
·
Exit Exams
At the end of the term, you will take a second written exam and an O.P.I to determine readiness for Writing 10 and/or SK31.
·
A multiple-choice grammar/word usage exam of 50
questions.
·
Portfolio
To demonstrate your process skills, you will maintain all drafts and other term projects in a well-organized portfolio.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:
In my teaching, I use a "learning-in-community" approach. This means (1) we do most classroom activities in a collaborative manner and (2) the context for the course revolves around the needs of the class. You may expect some of the following activities (in addition to those we create together):
· Process-oriented Writing. This means keeping a portfolio of all completed work. Pre-writing activities and all drafts must be included.
· Student Presentations. You will present a group project at least once during the term.
· Peer Mentoring. You will participate in peer reading, writing, and coaching.
· Continuous Assessment. I will provide frequent evaluation and feedback, but you are responsible for tracking your own progress. See “Progress Tracking” handout.
· Informal Writing. You will keep a "Dialogue Journal" for reflection writing and informal communication with me. This may be done through e-mail messages, messages on web board, or hand-written in spiral notebook.
·
Sentence Skills Practice. You will use the Sentence Sense on-line
textbook in class and outside of class. Do not expect grammar lectures, but I
will explain grammatical concepts to clarify and expand what you are learning
on-line.
·
Pronunciation Practice. You will have the opportunity to
practice pronunciation and listening each class session. Ruth Israel will be your tutor.
·
Computer Skills. You will also have the opportunity to practice your computer
skills during each class session.
Deb DeBois will be your tutor.
·
Tools for College Success.
·
Go to Course
Content for themes, concepts, issues, skills, and assessment tasks.
YOUR REQUIREMENTS:
·
Be present in mind and body.
Class attendance is required. Missing class distances you from your writing community and may seriously jeopardize your success. Attend the pronunciation and computer sessions during each class period.
·
Do your homework before
coming to class.
You will be responsible for all assigned workbook exercises and readings. We will review and evaluate all homework activities in class. In addition, you are required to visit the tutoring center and library on your own at least twice during the term.
·
Maintain Portfolios and
Dialogue Journals in an orderly and consistent manner.
I encourage self-direction, initiative and creativity, but I also expect a certain amount of order and neatness (so that I can read your material easily).
·
Participate in group
activities, peer readings, mentoring, teaching, and facilitating.
Writing, critical reflection, and communication emerge best within a social context. This is why I call our class a learning community. To be part of a learning community, you need to participate fully in all activities.
·
Use the technology
available. Get an e-mail account at RCC.
If you do not yet have an e-mail account, I encourage you to get one. We will have a computer in class and use our class web page on a regular basis.
·
Take the Final Exams.
1. A Holistic Writing Exam (to test your in-class, on-demand writing skills).
2. An Oral Proficiency Interview
3. A multiple-choice grammar/word usage exam of 50 questions.
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS FOR CLASS:
CONTACTS:
· I can be reached at 535-9868 - or leave a message in Voice Mailbox at 245-7500 Ext. 3111 - or E-mail me at volsen@rogue.cc.or.us.
· Use the Mailbox in the Tutoring Center Office to communicate messages or drop work into if necessary.
· Additional tutorial help is available at no cost to you. The Tutoring Center is located in G Building.
· Find a class buddy immediately, someone to call for assignments if an emergency keeps you from class. Buddy's Name _________________. Phone #: ______.
CLASSROOM POLICY:
Remember that mutual honor and respect for all is required at all times during class. A safe learning atmosphere is important in taking the risks necessary to acquire new skills. Any infringement on the rights of others will not be tolerated: you will be asked to leave the room or dismissed from class.
It is each student's responsibility to be aware of all college procedures, such as, how to add, drop, or withdraw from a class; and to be familiar with the available student resources. For more information, refer to the Student Handbook, Schedule of Classes, and the Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities Statement. See Student Code of Responsible Behavior.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES:
If you feel that you need assistance from Student Support Services or need more information regarding these services, please see me after class. We are happy to provide you with any necessary accommodations.
For more information, go to: http://www2.rogue.cc.or.us/developmental/support.htm
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