PROGRAM: English As a Second Language Non-Degree Program
Mission
The Mission of this program is to increase students' ability to function in American society, to provide opportunities for English language development, and to support the effort of each student to enhance his/her communication skills. It is not represented to lead to employment in any occupation or job title.
Course Requirements
All ESL students must;
- Complete registration according to admission requirements.
- Take entrance TOEFL to determine English skill level.
- Are advised and assigned to an appropriate class.
- Take assessment test the first class period to focus coursework.
- Take an exit TOEFL at the end of the quarter to assess outcome.
- are informed of skill level and advised of best course of further study.
- Advance to next level or continues on same level.
Program Outline
The ESL program is offered to foreign students studying English with an I-20 visa status and people whose native language is not English. It explores the English language as it is used in the United States of America. The course is divided into three (3) levels in the order of student progression: Level 1 (Basic), Level 2 (Intermediate), and Level 3 (Advanced). Detailed descriptions and objectives are provided in the syllabus of each level.
Length / Frequency of Class Sessions
Each level is ten (10) weeks in duration. It has sixteen (16) hours of interactive classroom instruction and four (4) hours of laboratory exercises per week for a total of 200 hours of instruction per level.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes. If absences are necessary, the instructor should be notified before or as soon as possible. All class work should be made up even if the absence is excused. Students missing more than 30% of class time will not be eligible to receive the Certificate of Completion.
Assessment and grading system
Each student will take entrance and exit Institutional TOEFL exams to measure individual progress. 449 and under is considered basic, or beginning level; 450 to 499 is the intermediate level; 500or higher is the advanced level. Assessments tests may also be given to determine the level of English proficiency of students for the purpose of assigning classes. Students scoring 40% or below will be assigned to the basic class, 41% to 75% will be assigned to the intermediate class, and 76% to 100% will be assigned to the advanced class.
Required
| ES 100 Basic Level 1 |
This course is designed for the student who is a non-native speaker of English. It explores the English Language as it is used in America through multi-media and field trips, as well as class work. The introductory level covers basic grammar and structure of conversational English. The focus is on pronunciation of words and the introduction of useful terms and concepts such as greetings, time, and dates. Various materials are used including audio tapes, videos, cartoons, and newspapers. Small classes insure access to assistance and the opportunity to progress individually. |
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| ES 200 Intermediate Level 2 |
This course is designed for the student who is a non-native speaker of English, but has some command of the language. This level of study increases the student's knowledge through field trips and the media, as well as reading, writing, and conversation. The focus of Level 2 is on structural patterns, vocabulary building (including "street talk"), and intermediate complex sentences. Students are encouraged to experience only English during class as current events and cross-culture issues are explored. Various teaching materials are used such as: videos, newspaper, audio tapes, and computer programs. |
| ES 300 Advanced Level 3 |
This course is designed for the student who is a non-native speaker of English that has moderate command of the language but wants to increase communications skills and articulation. This level of study brings the student into the areas of business, politics, and current world events. The student's knowledge and skill is expanded through conversation, reading, and writing. Small classes afford the student the opportunity to explore cross culture issues, to promote understanding, and to increase fluency through field excursions and interactive exercises. |
Textbooks / Teaching Materials
Reference materials include but not limited to: All Clear! Intro, H.D. Fragiadakis; All Clear! Idioms in Context, Fragiadakis; Everyday Survival Skills, Ray Broedel; Survival English, Book 4, Mosteller & Paul; Intermediate Listening Comprehension, Dunkel & Lim; other material as instructors recommend.
Teaching materials include audio tapes, videos, cartoons, newspapers, and computer programs. Additional textbooks or internet programs may be prescribed depending on the learning progress of the students.
Instructional Methods
At the first class period, an assessment test is given to evaluate the needs of the students.
The focus of the class is then based on the language needs of the students, such as reading comprehension, or listening comprehension. The syllabus of the course is distributed at the first class meeting. The syllabi provide pertinent information along with course requirements and a week by week outline of coursework. Classroom instruction is complemented by field trips, extensive interactive exercises, and multi-media projects that may include lab work such as use of computer software or internet ESL websites. A pot-luck lunch, picnic, or party is held at the completion of the course for celebration and social purposes.
