ESL Methods & Materials

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.

1. Student Engagement                                                                                              10%

Merely attending class is not sufficient to earn the student engagement credit. You are expected to come to class prepared and ready to actively participate in each class session: ask questions, answer questions, share your knowledge and experiences, and actively participate in whole class and small group discussions and activities. Read any assigned course materials, bring your texts and course materials to every class session, and take responsibility for your share of discussion.

2. Practice ESL Supplemental (Short Version)                                                           5%

WFISD and other districts in Texas are really striving to have all of their new hires be ESL endorsed; this is different from ESL certified. For ESL endorsement, you need to take the ESL supplemental test and pass it with an 80% or better. Once you pass the test, you must pay an additional fee to have it added to your teaching credentials, just like you do with any other credential test you take (e.g., PPR, Bilingual Generalist, Special Ed.). Then, your score is effective for 5 years. However, during this time you will still need to take a certain number of professional development hours (your district will let you know how many) to maintain your ESL endorsement. It really does help you be a more effective teacher and more marketable, especially during this difficult financial time. Go to: http://www.texes.ets.org/assets/pdf/testprep_manuals/154_esl_supp.pdf for more information regarding this test.

3. Double Entry Reflective Journals                                                                           20%

You must respond to each day's reading (3 textbooks total) in your double-entry journal. Each journal entry has two columns. In the column to the left, you will write a minimum of 5 (but no more than 7) quotes that strike you from the reading; on the column to the right, you must write your personal responses to each quote. The responses can be related to your prior knowledge on this topic, other reading you have done, your own schooling/learning experiences, and/or how this quote makes you feel and why, etc. You are expected to bring your journal to each class for sharing in small groups. You should keep your learning journals together, chronologically, in a folder specifically for this purpose. You will lose a point per chapter if your journal is not completed thoughtfully. You are required to type your entire journal entries (see form on WebCT/Blackboard).

4. Multicultural Book Project                                                                                     25%

You are required to select and read one multicultural children's/youth book during the semester. It must be a chapter book. You also need to present the book in class including the following areas:

·         Summary of the book/background of the book

·         Which groups/individuals are included in the book? Do the group and individuals have power in the book? What kind of power do the groups or individuals have?

·         How could this book be used in the classroom?

·         How would this book be a motivator in reading activities?

You will write up and present your project. Your presentation must be 10-15 minutes long.

5. Cultural Teaching Demonstration                                                                           30%

Use your multicultural book from above to teach a lesson/activity using the book. You are required to incorporate three teaching strategies (pertaining to ELLs) learned in this class or from other sources. More information will be given in class regarding this assignment. Your presentation must not be longer than 15 minutes. Although you will not have enough time to teach your entire lesson, you are still required to write a lesson plan using the format provided (see form on WebCT/Blackboard).

6. Practice ESL Supplemental (Long Version)                                                           10%

The long version of the ESL Supplemental practice test will be given on Monday, Dec. 5^th from 10:30-12:30pm.

A         90 – 100%                  Work is outstanding and exemplary

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

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

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

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

Assignments 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.

1. You are expected to attend all classes. Failure to attend class will result in a loss of 5 points from your overall grade for the third absence. Each absence after this one will result in your grade being lowered an additional 10 points. Students with seven or more absences cannot receive a grade higher 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 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 to the Dean of Students' Office for further evaluation. It is the student's responsibility to provide the written documentation 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.

3. Punctuality is also expected for all classes. Arriving 5 minutes late for the class is considered a tardy. Three tardies will result in a loss of 5 points from your overall grade. Each tardy after this one will result in your grade being lowered an additional 10 points. When you arrive 10 minutes after class has started or leave before it ends, you will be counted absent for that class.

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 Policy – Conduct 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 Policy – The 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 Policy – In 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.