In Class Learning Activities

These activities are subject to change as the term progresses. We will be very flexible on this, listening to and respecting the needs of the class as a whole.

Notice that we will be moving around from room to room. Basically, we will begin in G-5 for a 50 minute whole class activity. After that, we will break out into other rooms for the small group activities. Vi, Deb, and Ruth will facilitate the various group activities.

Other specific class activities such as readings, field trips, guest speakers, and films will be announced. This class schedule will be updated frequently.

For updates, see Course Outline at http://www.oocities.org/violsen/esl.html

Things to Do Outside Class

(These activities will be determined at the end of each class session, depending on individual needs or group projects.)

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

• Read one article or story per week to develop vocabulary and improve spelling. Bring articles to class to share with your classmates and to use in discussion.
• Keep a Learning Journal. Use the electronic mail system or write in a spiral notebook. Write letters to the tutors or to me. Write to each other, or write just for yourself. The idea is to write something every day.
• Our goal is to be successful college students. To see "What Do Successful Learners Do?" by Ruth Stiehl, Ph.D, go to http://www.oocities.org/violsen/ruthstiehl.html
• Use the spaces below to plan or schedule your projects and homework assignments.

• Theme: GettingAcquainte
• Class Registration, Tutoring Center Registration, Computer Lab Registration.
• Review course syllabus and create a course map.
• Create three learning teams for participation in (a) Pronunciation sessions with Ruth, (b) On-line Language Lab with Deb and Helen, (c) Composition with Vi.
• Learning Team #1 - Introduction to Pronunciation with Ruth
• Teams 2 and 3 - Language Lab Orientation with Deb and Vi
• Breaks will be observed between sessions.

• Theme: "Building our Learning Community" (The Twenty- Square Exercise) - 50 minutes.
• Rotating Group Sessions - First 40 minutes: Team #1 - On-Line Language Lab (Tutoring Center) Orientation with Deb and Helen
• Team #2 - Pronunciation with Ruth (Room G-8)
• Team #3 - Reading, Spelling, Vocabulary, and Composition with Vi - in Break Out Room.
• Second 40 minutes: Teams #1 and #2 with Vi, Deb and tutors in Language Lab or Break-Out Rooms.
• Team #3 - Pronunciation with Ruth.

• Theme: Identity: "Who Am I?" collage.
• Team presentations of collage with one mentor per group.
• Continue with the Rotating Group Sessions in Room G-8, On-Line Language Lab, and other break-out rooms. Exact locations will be announced. 

• Theme: Connections: "Where have I been; where am I going?" - Creating a Road Map.
• Presentation of Road Map with one mentor per group.
• Continue with the Rotating Group Sessions in Room G-8, On-Line Language Lab, and other break-out rooms.

• Theme: Challenges: Why Education?
• Newspaper Article: Hispanic Drop Out Rate in Medford. Samll group and large group discussion. (Taba Questions as framework)
• Continue with the Rotating Group Sessions in Room G-8, On-Line Language Lab, and other break-out rooms.

• Theme: College Success
• Read article from David Ellis - Characteristics of a Master Student - (A Jigsaw activity)
• Discussion in small groups and team presentations to whole class
• Holistic exam practice with Vi and Deb
• Pronunciation with Ruth

• Theme: Questions
• Watch the video "More"
• Use Taba Questions in small groups and categorize the questions/responses in large group.
• More writing practice with Vi and Deb
• Conversations with Ruth 

• Theme: Health and Well-Being
• Presentation on Breast Cancer by Anna Maria
• More writing practice with Vi and Deb
• Conversations with Ruth

• Theme: Creativity "The AHA! Experience" - Exploring Creative Thinking,
• More writing practice with Vi and Deb
• Conversations with Ruth

• Whole Class Activity - "The Metaphoric Object Exercise"
• Writing group: "Test-Taking without Anxiety" Prepare for Language Exams
• More conversations with Ruth