ESL Methods & Materials

Course Details

Course Number: ECED 3173  Section Number: 101

Fall 2010

Location: Ferguson Hall

Classroom Number: 202

Days & Times:

Mondays & Wednesdays 11:00 - 12: 20pm



Course Attachments

Syllabus  ECED3173101Syllabus.doc

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Linda Prieto   
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Course Objectives
  1. Students will learn the theoretical basis of language and language acquisition competencies.
  2. Students will learn theories of cognitive development in ESL contexts.
  3. Students will learn language development and language acquisition models and models for instruction in ESL contexts.
  4. Students will acquire linguistic knowledge of English for L2 (English).
  5. Students will explore strategies of first- and second-language acquisition to promote students’ English language development.
  6. Students will plan and implement effective and appropriate ESL instruction using factors that affect ESL students’ learning, language and culture.
  7. Students will use a variety of classroom organization techniques, program models, and teaching strategies to integrate language skills.
  8. Students will understand formal and informal assessment procedures and instruments (language proficiency and academic achievement) used in ESL programs.
  9. Students will be exposed to standards-based procedures used with ESL students.
  10. Students will learn about family and community involvement trends that contribute to an effective English learning environment.

Course Expectations

Students will demonstrate mastery of these standards by their participation in daily symposia, by the completion of three article analysis reports, a mid-term project, mid-term exam, final project, and a final exam.


Grading Standards

A         90 – 100 points            Work is outstanding and exemplary

B         80 – 89 points           Work that is above the minimum requirements

C         70 – 79 points             Work that meets expected level of performance for most students

D         60 – 69 points           Work that falls short of minimum criteria

F      59 points or below         Work that falls well below the expected level of performance for most students


Final Exam12/6/2010  10:30am

Submission Format Policy

1. Student Engagement                                                                                  15 points

You are expected to read assignments prior to class and to actively participate in (small and large) group discussions (may include in-class writing assignments).

2. Article Analysis Reports                                                                             15 points

You will analyze 3 (peer-reviewed) articles on a topic (of your choice) closely related to this course. An Article Analysis form is provided on WebCT. You will prepare and deliver a 3-minute oral presentation of your analysis reports to the class. NOTE: A peer-reviewed article is an article submitted to an academic journal and evaluated by scholars. These articles may also be referred to as “scholarly,” “juried,” or “refereed.” Most peer-reviewed articles contain information that has been verified or fact-checked, which gives the article a sense of authority (http://www.socc.edu/library/pgs/databases/glossary-of-research-terms.shtml#peer).

3. Mid-Term Cultural Project                                                                          25 points

You will select a culture other than your own. Read about and research that culture. Select a person from the culture you have chosen, and interview this person on two to three separate occasions. Ask your “interviewee” questions related to the following topics to see if the information you read was accurate, up-to-date, and if it confirms or differs with the experiences of your “interviewee”: Family Structures; Discipline; Religion; Education; Food; History; Traditions; and Holidays.

You will write a 3- to 5-page summary of your findings. Include an in-depth analysis of how you would incorporate a student from this cultural background into your classroom considering everyday American routines and instruction—How would you embrace this culture? How would you integrate this culture into your classroom? What is most important for teachers to know about this culture? Include a bibliography (list of references) of at least 3-5 current sources used (APA Style). You will also prepare a 5- to 7-minute presentation on your project with 2 to 3 samples of materials you could use to highlight and facilitate the transition of a student from this cultural background into their new school setting. 

5. Mid-Term Exam                                                                                          10 points

The format will include: fill in the blank, multiple choice, true/false and/or short answer.

6. Final Collaborative Unit Project                                                                 20 points

You will engage in the lesson planning process through participation in a collaborative unit design. The content topic is up to you. Each member of the group will prepare a lesson (only one) around a theme selected by the group using the strategies presented in class. Your combined lessons will make up your groups’ unit. The final product will be a unit presented by the group to the class. Each member of the group will need to have a part in presenting the individual lessons (some class time will be set-aside for group collaboration and planning). Each group will select one lesson to demonstrate to the class as if you (your group) were the teacher and we were your students. The group presentation will need to be modified so that it is no longer than 10- to 15-minutes long and the delivery of the selected lesson will need to be no more than 15 minutes long. A Lesson Plan form is provided on WebCT.

7. Final Exam                                                                                                  15 points

The final exam is scheduled for Monday, December 6th from 10:30-12:30pm. The format will include: fill in the blank, multiple choice, true/false and/or short answer.

                                                                                                Total Possible: 100 points



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Late Assignment PolicyAssignments need to be turned in on the due date.  If for some reason you are unable to bring in an assignment, you must e-mail it, or send it in with a friend when it is due. Ten points will be deducted each day it is late. Extenuating circumstances must be discussed with the instructor at least 2 days before the due date, but only one time per semester. Assignments must be turned in with a hard copy on the day they are due, as stated on the course calendar.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

1. You are expected to attend all classes. Failure to attend class will result in a loss of 5 points from your final point totals for the third absence. Each absence after this one will result in your grade being lowered one or more letter grades.  Students with seven absences cannot receive a grade hire than an “F” for the course. If you are going to be absent or late, e-mail or phone the instructor prior to class. This is common courtesy and good professional practice.

2. You are only allowed 2 absences. Excused absences are those requiring a doctor’s excuse or other written documentation, which must be turned in at the time the student returns to class.  It is the student’s responsibility to provide the written documentation to the instructor to avoid the loss of points. An exception can be given if it is a religious holiday. You need to notify the instructor immediately as you become aware that an absence will occur. If there is any special medical treatment required, or personal need, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor or submit a doctor’s note to the Dean of Students’ office for further evaluation.

3. Punctuality is also expected for all classes. Arriving 5 minutes late for the class is considered a tardy. 3 tardies will result in a loss of 5 points from your final point total. 5 tardies will lose 10 points from your final point total. When you arrive 10 minutes after class has started or leave before it ends, you will be counted absent for that class period.


Other Policies

Study Time Requirements – For each class hour, at least three hours outside of class are expected. This course will meets 3 hours a week. Therefore it is expected that you spend 9 outside-of-class hours each week to read, study, and complete your assignments. It is expected that if you enrolled in this course, you can meet the time requirements.

Professionalism PolicyConduct as a professional educator is expected at all times. “Attendance, punctuality the quality of your interactions with colleagues and supervisors, and the quality and timeliness regarding completing assignments all determine your professionalism, which in turn, signals your readiness to advance in the teacher education program.” Silence all cell phones before class starts. No texting is allowed. Texting is very distracting to all members of the class and is considered rude and disrespectful behavior.

Handout PolicyThe instructor will only take responsibility for having handouts and materials at class on the day initially provided.  If you have to be absent, be sure to make arrangements for a peer to collect materials for you.

Inclement Weather PolicyIn case of inclement weather, students are encouraged to check the weather announcement on the MSU homepage or to call the education department (397-4370) if they have no immediate access to the Internet. 


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.