Class: 4 hours/week
Some or all of the following methods will be used:
- whole-class instruction
- large- and small- group discussion
- pair work on tasks
- peer review
- computer-assisted learning
- in-class writing and pronunciation practice
- instructor feedback on written work and on pronunciation
- revision of submitted writing
Throughout the process of preparing for a range of college assignments, students will receive instruction in skills and strategies in the following areas:
Grammar
- Proofread and edit their own written texts, revising drafts effectively, reading thoughtfully and responding effectively to peer and instructor feedback.
- Demonstrate oral fluency in using grammatical, syntactical, and lexical structures typically occurring in moderately demanding academic contexts.
- Paraphrase and summarize, demonstrating understanding of written and spoken texts, following academic practices and complying with College policies on academic integrity.
- Provide an accurate description or summary of formatted text (a table, graph, chart, or diagram), using appropriate vocabulary, citation, and cohesive devices.
- Demonstrate mastery of word form choice, register, clause, sentence and longer text elements, cohesive devices, and mechanics specified for this and lower levels of mastery.
- Use appropriately and effectively the following grammar and syntax structures: passive voice (including modals); reporting verbs and phrases; linking words with noun phrases; complex sentences: defining and reduced adjective clauses, noun clauses.
Vocabulary
Use appropriately and effectively the following items:
- Vocabulary for describing data in graphs/charts
- Phrases to introduce problems and solutions
- Vocabulary for definitions
- Expanded range of vocabulary that includes words and expressions related to general content areas
Study Skills
Take responsibility for:
- Attendance and punctuality
- Class work and assignments
- Participation and teamwork
Use common software to communicate and to complete information management tasks such as word processing assignments, sending emails, or signing in to an online learning management system.
By the end of this course, successful students will
Grammar and Vocabulary Skills
- Demonstrate clear, logical, and coherent expressions in writing, avoiding errors.
- Paraphrase and summarize ideas from written and spoken texts.
- Summarize information from formatted text (graph, chart, table, or diagram).
- Apply proofreading and editing skills in decisions about word form choice, register, clause, sentence and longer text elements, cohesive devices, and mechanics.
- Use grammatical structures and vocabulary from the course content to a required level of mastery.
Study Skills
- Assess own progress.
- Participate effectively in a college classroom.
Student achievement will be measured using formative assessment tools and the mastery system in accordance with College policy. Students will receive on-going feedback from the instructor throughout the course. Evaluation will be based on learning outcomes as well as instructor-specified criteria. Mastery will be granted to students who achieve an average of at least 70% on portfolio items listed below. Evaluation will include, but may not be limited to, the following tasks:
-A collection of practice assignments, demonstrating effective proofreading and editing skills based on instructor and peer feedback, as well as on the student's own attention to errors in writing. Assignments will include sentence, paragraph, and longer text writing as related to paraphrasing and summarizing tasks.
-A collection of practice assignments showing effective use of newly introduced grammar, syntax structures, and vocabulary from course content. Assignments will include sentence, paragraph, and longer text writing.
-At least 2 in-class paraphrasing or summarizing quizzes, based on written or spoken texts. Quizzes will include single or connected paragraphs. Students will demonstrate mastery of grammar and syntax structure for this and lower levels of ability.
-At least 1 in-class assignment describing a formatted text (graph, chart, table, or diagram) in paragraph form. Students will demonstrate mastery of newly introduced grammar and syntax structure.
-At least 2 in-class editing assignments, targeting specific errors in writing. Students will demonstrate mastery of grammar and syntax structure for this and lower levels of ability.
-At least 1 self-assessment of learning strategies, progress, and classroom skills (to be discussed with the instructor).
Sample grade breakdown:
Proofreading and editing skills practice assignments worth up to 20% (total)
Proof of practice of newly introduced grammar and vocabulary worth up to 20% (total)
Paraphrasing and summarizing quizzes worth up to 20%
Description of formatted text worth up to 10%
In-class editing assignments worth up to 20%
Participation worth up to 10%
Total: 100%
Students may be required to purchase one or more of the following:
- coursepacks
- lab software
- a dictionary, such as Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
- textbooks, such as Oxford Grammar for EAP, Heinle Cengage Learning Read, Write, Edit, or Garnet Education Grammar for Writing
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