A combination of different instructional methods will be used in order to balance instructional efficiency with individual student needs. Small group instruction, individual assistance (in lab tutorial or scheduled appointments) and student directed learning will be selected where appropriate and possible. Collaborative learning will be encouraged.
Reading
- using pre-reading strategies
- self-monitoring reading for comprehension
- identifying subject/topic, main ideas, supporting details and sequence
- drawing inferences and conclusions
- distinguishing between fact and opinion, logical and illogical arguments
- detecting tone of story and emotional reactions of characters in short stories and a novel
- answering comprehension questions on main idea, details, sequence, fact and opinion and cause and effect
- integrating personal experience and information from text to gain new understanding
- summarizing expository and narrative text
- expressing and supporting opinions about text
- independently and fluently reading extended expository passages
- independently reading longer text
- recognizing different purposes for reading and beginning to adjust reading strategies to suit purpose
- employing strategies for learning and remembering new words
- using context clues, phonics, structural analysis and sight vocabulary in an integrated manner to decode
- applying phonemic awareness
Writing
- generating ideas using brainstorming and mapping
- organizing writing using outlining
- identifying audience
- evaluating drafts and considering feedback
- producing coherent descriptive, narrative and expository paragraphs
- writing an 8 – 10 sentence paragraph (topic sentence, supporting details and conclusion)
- revising and editing written work
- writing personal letters using standard format
- summarizing main ideas after reading and discussing
- identifying and writing simple, compound and complex sentences
- using a broad range of punctuation, including quotation marks
- identifying and correcting fragments and run-ons in writing
- using subject-verb agreement and consistent verb tense
- using modifiers effectively
- using comma rules
- spelling a variety of homonyms and common irregularly spelled words
- using effective spelling strategies such as phonics, structural analysis, and generalizations
- using contractions correctly
- using a dictionary, thesaurus and other spelling aids
- identifying synonyms and antonyms
- beginning to distinguish between formal and informal language in writing
Skills and Strategies for Classroom Learning
- completing assignments out of classroom setting and meeting deadlines
- managing time
- setting learning goals
- developing strategies to write tests in a variety of formats
- applying personal learning strategies
- communicating respectfully with instructors and classmates
- using critical thinking skills while listening and/or viewing
- giving concise sequential oral instructions
- developing awareness of personal learning strengths and strategies
Computer Skills
- keyboarding comfortably
- word processing and printing a document
- beginning to use a search engine to find information
- opening and sending email
The aims of the course are for students to:
Reading:
- continue to develop word reading skills;
- develop specific strategies to improve reading comprehension;
- enlarge vocabulary to fulfill reading needs;
- increase background knowledge by developing awareness of current topics and concerns;
- acquire an ability to orally present information obtained from reading.
Writing:
- develop confidence and enjoyment from personal writing activities;
- gain knowledge of and experience using the processes of writing;
- improve knowledge of and experience in constructing paragraphs;
- improve competency in constructing sentences;
- improve awareness and control of the conventions of standard written English;
- improve awareness and control of the degree of formality suitable for different writing tasks;
- demonstrate growth in ability to produce written communication that expresses personal feeling and ideas;
- demonstrate growth in ability to write for different purposes and for various audiences.
Skills and Strategies for Classroom Learning:
- improve goal setting and time management skills
- improve communication
- develop test taking strategies
- improve critical thinking
- develop awareness of personal learning skills
Computer Skills:
- improve word processing skills
- develop search skills
- demonstrate skills to use email
A mastery model of on-going evaluation will be used. A student will have completed the course when he/she has demonstrated through satisfactory completion of exercises and assignments that the course objectives have been achieved.
Progress will be monitored on a regular basis by the instructor in consultation with each student.
The student will be expected to maintain regular attendance and progress and to undertake independent learning as directed. Regular feedback and informal progress reports will be available from the instructor.
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
Students must supply a three-ring binder, paper, pen and pencil.
All other materials will be available on loan from the instructor when needed.