SYLLABUS College Connection - SK5 - Summer 2001 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 to 7:50 - G Building  - Room 5 Rogue Community College

COURSE FACILITATOR: Viola Olsen

OFFICE HOURS: Monday and Wednesday 2:00-4:00; Tuesday and Thursday 5:00-6:00 - G Building, Room 115

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

NON-GRADED: Pass or No Pass

REQUIRED TEXT: None. A variety of materials will be provided and some will be created by you and your classmates.

PREREQUISITES

ESL Level IV or above. Instructor's approval is needed for enrollment. (Casas Reading Level 4; Speaking and Listening 6 or higher; holistic writing sample of 2.5 or higher.)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this course is to help non-native English speakers prepare for mainstream academic course work. The course integrates language related skills, such as writing, reading and speaking, with study techniques for college success. This summer class meets twice a week for two 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 OUTCOME

We intend for you to raise your language and college success skills so that you can be ready to enroll in the Developmental Education Program at RCC.

PERFORMANCE TASK

To help you improve your skills, you will be working on a portfolio that contains your autobiography, several pieces of writing, and other work.

PROCESS SKILLS

To perform your tasks well, you will focus and improve on the following skills. We will discuss in class what this means, and how you will demonstrate that you are developing and improving on these skills.

1. Language Skills

• Create well-structured paragraphs, short essays, narratives, and informal pieces.
• Write simple, compound, and complex sentences with a minimal number of sentence errors.
• Use your creative and critical thinking abilities in problem-solving, reading and writing.
• Read and comprehend a variety of texts: literature, journals, newspapers, and student papers.

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.
• Deal with test anxiety.
• Apply strategies for memory improvement.
• Develop methods for self-evaluation.

3. Personal Development

• Accept responsibility for personal attitude and achievement.
• Develop strategies for life-long learning.
• Celebrate your successes.
• Mentor others.
• Explore strategies for expanidng our civic responsibilities.

4. College Entrance Procedures

• Become familiar with the college entrance process: taking the placement tests, applying for financial aid, choosing courses.

ASSESSMENT TASKS

• Portfolio (which includes your autobiography and a number of compositions)
• Final in-class, timed writing to be holistically scored.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

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. I recommend that you keep a "Dialogue Journal" for reflective writing and informal communication with me. This may be done through e-mail messages, messages on the web board, or hand-written in a 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. 
• computer Skills.  You will also have the opportunity to practice your computer skills during each class session. 
• Tools for College Success. You will explore many techniques to help you become "a master student."

YOUR REQUIREMENTS

• Be present in mind and body. Attend all class sessions. Be punctual. Class starts at 6:00. If you have to be late, please call me.
• Come to class prepared. Bring all your materials.
• Maintain Portfolios and Dialogue Journals in an orderly and consistent manner.
• Participate in group activities, peer readings, mentoring, cooperative teaching, and facilitating
• Use the technology available. Get an e-mail account at RCC.
• Take the Final (Holistic Writing) Exam.

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS FOR CLASS

• Pens (black or blue) and pencils
• Ruled paper
• A three-ring binder and index dividers
• Highlighters or colored pens
• Five to ten recycled magazines of your choice. Bring to class as soon as possible.

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 environment 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.

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