ESOL Methods, ESED 5232 / 5232G, Spring 2007

Department of Teaching & Learning,

College of Education, Georgia Southern University

Thursdays 5:00 – 7:45 p.m.  in COE Classroom #3152

 

Instructor:   Dr. Scott A.L. Beck

Office:                    Room #4113, College of Education

Office hours:           by appointment

Contacts:                (912) 681-0354 or sab44@cornell.edu

 

 

Course Description:

An introduction to current second language acquisition theory and its application to curriculum development and instructional strategies.  Participants in this course will design curriculum and learning activities that facilitate the use of English as a Second Language in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  In addition, participants will learn how to develop strategies for integrating school neighborhood, and home resources to further the education of ESOL students

Prerequisite:      TEP admission or a teaching certificate.             Credit:  3 semester hours

 

Course Objectives:

The students will:

1.      apply current second language acquisition theory and research to curriculum development and instructional strategies.

[K12 ESOL Standards: G1S2, G2S123, G3S13; PSC Standards: I, III, VI, VIII, IX; ISTE NETS: II, III; TESOL Domains 1-3, 5]

2.      design curriculum and learning activities to use English to communicate in social settings through listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

[K12 ESOL Standards: G1S23, G2 S123, G3S3; PSC Standards: VI, VIII, IX; ISTE NETS: I, II, III; TESOL Domain 3]

3.      design learning activities to develop students’ abilities to use English to achieve academically in all content areas.

[K12 ESOL Standards: G1S12, G2S123, G3S13; PSC Standards: VI, VIII, IX; ISTE NETS: I, II, III; TESOL Domain 3]

4.      become familiar with and apply a variety of techniques for organizing and implementing learning environments to optimize participation and instruction with English learners.

[K12 ESOL Standards: G1S1, G2S1, G3S3; PSC Standards: III, IV, V, VI, VIII, IX; ISTE NETS: I, II, III; TESOL Domains 2, 3]

5.      develop strategies for integrating school, neighborhood, and home resources in curriculum for English learners.

[K12 ESOL Standards: G1S1, G2S1, G3S123; PSC Standards: VI, VIII, IX; ISTE NETS: I, II, III; TESOL Domains 3-5]

 

Student Performance Requirements:

Accomplished Practices

Activity Related to Accomplished Practice

Data Source

 

Assessment

Objectives 1-4

Students develop unit and lesson plans that include assessment component.

Exam

Unit Plan Modifications

Communications

 

Objectives 2, 5

Students interact with other students through field experience in ESOL classrooms as well as in the development of plans and units.

Exam

Field Experience Reflection & Rubric

Unit Plan Modifications

Diversity

 

Objectives 1-5

The student must analyze and interpret information pertaining to the diverse language populations found in our schools

Exam

Field Experience Reflection & Rubric

Unit Plan Modifications

Knowledge of Subject Matter

Objectives 1-5

Students identify and select instructional strategies based on theoretical understanding of second language learning principles.

Unit Plan Modifications

Planning

Objectives 1-5

Development of lesson plans and unit plan.

 

Exam

Unit Plan Modifications

Role of Teacher

 

Objective 5

Students interact with school personnel to obtain information for language minority parents. Students consider community resources.

Field Experience Reflection & Rubric

 

 

Relationship to College of Education Conceptual Framework:

The College of Education’s Conceptual Framework, “Reflective Educators for Diverse Learners,” is firmly grounded in all facets of this course. 

C.1 Commitment to the Knowledge and Dispositions of the Profession: Candidates are expected to endorse a belief that all students can learn and they are able to implement appropriate learning strategies to achieve this goal.  Candidates are also expected to apply the content and pedagogy learned in this methods course in the course assignments so as to demonstrate this commitment, particularly with regards to English Language Learners.

C.2 Commitment to Diversity:  Emphasis is placed on the diverse learning needs of English Language Learners, the diversity and uniqueness of English Language Learners, and other issues of diversity that affect English Language Learner development.  The course provides candidates opportunities to develop and apply a range of multicultural knowledge and effective pedagogical skills that respond to the academic and affective needs of English Language Learners and the wider range of diverse students.

C.3 Commitment to Technology:  Candidates will continue to develop and refine their technological skills in this course through the use of WebCT, TK-20, and Internet resources.  In particular, they will be expected to complete a software examination and web resource project.

C.4 Commitment to the Practice of Continuous Reflection and Assessment:  Candidates are involved in on-going reflection regarding the course material through in-class writing and discussions and formal written reflections. 

 

 

Required Readings:

Chamot, A.U. & O’Malley, J.M. (1993). The CALLA handbook: Implementing the cognitive academic language learning approach.  Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.

Echevarria, J., Vogt, M., & Short, D. J. (2004). Making content comprehensible for English learners: The SIOP model, 2nd edition. Boston: Pearson.

Herrell, A. L., & Jordan, M. (2004). Fifty strategies for teaching English language learners, 2nd edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Larsen-Freeman, D.  (2000).  Techniques and principles in language teaching, 2nd edition.  London: Oxford.

 

Graduate Readings (choice of one):

Butler-Pascoe, M.E. & Wiburg, K.  (2003).  Technology and teaching English language learners.  Boston:Pearson.

Hurley, S.R. & Tinajero, J.V.  (2001).  Literacy assessment of second language learners.  Boston: Pearson.

 

 

COURSE PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES (ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENTS):

These assignments will be described in greater detail in class and on handouts.

 

1.      Attendance, Participation, Quizzes on readings, Reflective writings, etc…

There will be some form of assessment during most classes.  Many of these assessments will be short quizzes or reflective writings that simply check your comprehension of the readings due for class that day.  If you don’t do the readings, your daily class grades will suffer.  If you read sloppily or without consulting a dictionary or the glossaries, your grades will also suffer.  Also, there will be opportunities for jigsaw or reciprocal teaching that you will be expected to participate in.  If you fail to participate in class discussions and activities, your grade will suffer. 

 


2.      15 Hour Field Practicum: Observation, Participation, Teaching/Tutoring & Reflection

 [ESOL Endorsement PSC/NCATE Key Assessment]

During this semester you must complete a 15-hour practicum in a classroom with ELL students, preferably with an ESOL endorsed cooperating teacher.  You are responsible for arranging this practicum placement. During this field experience, you must observe, participate, and teach or tutor at least one lesson. At the close of the practicum, the cooperating teacher will complete a rubric assessing your work in the classroom.  A positive evaluation on the rubric from the cooperating teacher is required in order to pass this course.  In addition, you will write a 500-word reflection that demonstrates connections between the content of the ESOL endorsement courses and your experiences during the practicum. 

 

3.      ESSAY CRITIQUING VIDEOS OF ESOL INSTRUCTION

 [ESOL Endorsement PSC/NCATE Key Assessment]

We will use class time to view and critique videos of ESOL instruction.  Each of you will then develop an approximately 750 word essay connecting your critique of the videos to the readings and methods presented in this course. 

 

4.      HERRELL MICRO-TEACHING PRESENTATIONS

Each of you will be responsible for explaining and MODELING for the class one of the methods described in the Herrell text.  You will present your explanation and model in about 15 minutes during class time on the day that your chapter in the book is due for class.  You will be expected to lead an interesting and engaging presentation that gets your classmates involved in the method and helps them understand the value of the method.

 

5.      MoDIFICATIONS OF AN INSTRUCTIONAL Unit Plan (SMALL GROUPS)

 [ESOL Endorsement PSC/NCATE Key Assessment]

Working in groups of approximately four students, you will take a pre-existing instructional unit and describe, in detail, the modifications you would make to adapt it for ESOL students.

The original unit plan should include, at a minimum, a narrative introduction outlining major goals and concepts to be taught, narrative descriptions of the lessons, a rationale justifying the lesson order and designs, and an outline of assessments. 

The most important part of this assignment will be a detailed narrative analysis of this original unit outlining the following: potential problems that ESOL students might face if the unit were taught as originally planned AND detailed modifications and improvements of the unit for a regular classroom that includes ESOL students.

At the end of the semester, your triad will present a summary and handout regarding your unit to the class and involve your classmates in one activity from your unit.

Finally, each triad member will confidentially assess the contribution made by his or her individual teammates.  These assessments will take into account your professionalism, courtesy, promptness, reliability, work ethic, contributions, and cooperation in the team context.  Based upon these assessments, my own observations, I will assign an individual grade to each group member.

 

6.      Final Exam

The exam will cover material presented in readings, discussions, videos, activities and presentations.  It will serve to highlight some of the most important points of the course.  You may be provided an opportunity to help write questions for the exam.  No makeup exams will be given without advance notice and an official written explanation from a medical or legal professional.

 

7.      Book Presentation & HandouT (Graduate Students Only, SMALL GROUPS)

Working in groups of approximately 3, the graduate students in this class will read one of the following texts:

            Technology and Teaching English Language Learners OR

            Literacy Assessment of Second Language Learners

      They will digest and summarize the content of their text and use it as the basis for an extended (1/2 class period) presentation and handout for the rest of the class near the end of the semester.  The incorporation of activities, PowerPoint, or other methods in the presentations is encouraged. 

Finally, each graduate student will confidentially assess the contribution made by his or her individual teammates.  These assessments will take into account your professionalism, courtesy, promptness, reliability, work ethic, contributions, and cooperation in the team context.  Based upon these assessments, my own observations, I will assign an individual grade to each group member.

 

 

Grade Chart:

Assessment

Your Grade

x % of Total Grade

= Subtotal

UG

Grad

Attendance & Participation

 

 

15%

 

Field Practicum

 

 

20%

15%

 

Essay Critiquing Videos of ESOL Instruction

 

10%

 

Micro-Teaching Presentations

 

 

15%

10%

 

Unit Modifications

 

Writing & Presentation

 

15%

 

Individual Participation

 

10%

 

Final Exam

 

 

15%

10%

 

Graduate Book Circle Presentations

Group Presentation

 

 

7%

 

Individual Participation

 

 

8%

 

 

Total Grade:

 

 


Tentative Course Schedule:

Day

Class Topics

Readings due

Readings / Micro-Teaching in Herrell due

Assignments due

Thur.

1/11

Introductions, Defining our purposes, Review of syllabus, Arranging your field practicum, Organizing Micro-Teaching, Review of Culture & Linguistics courses

Thur.

1/18

Overview of Methods & Strategies

HERRELL – pp. xi-xv

LARSEN-F – Chap. 1-3

1, 7, 27, 49

 

Thur.

1/25

Overview of Methods & Strategies

LARSEN-F – Chap. 4-6

3, 14, 17, 18, 20, 33

 

Thur.

2/1

No Class

Thur.

2/8

Overview of Methods & Strategies

LARSEN-F – Chap. 7-9

11, 15, 16, 29, 32, 34, 40, 47

 

Thur.

2/22

Online Chat

SIOP intro

LARSEN-F – Chap. 10

SIOP – Chap 1 & 11

None

 

Thur.

3/1

SIOP & Complementary strategies

SIOP – Chap. 2-4

5, 6, 19, 25, 30, 31, 42, 45

 

Thur.

3/8

SIOP & Complementary strategies

SIOP – Chap. 5-7

2, 13, 23, 48

 

Thur.

3/15

No Class – GSU Spring Break

 

Thur.

3/22

SIOP & Complementary. strategies

SIOP – Chap. 8-10

4, 12, 24, 36, 39, 46

 

Thur.

2/15

CALLA intro

LARSEN-F – Chap. 11

CALLA – Chap. 1, jigsaw 9-12

22, 28, 37, 38, 50

 

Thur.

3/29

CALLA & Complementary strategies

CALLA – Chap. 2 & 3

8, 9, 10, 43, 44

 

Thur.

4/5

 

Online Chat

CALLA & Complementary strategies

Videos of ESOL Instruction

CALLA – Chap. 4 & 5

None

 

Thur.

4/12

Workshop Time for Modified Unit Groups

Essay Critiquing Videos of ESOL Instruction

Thur.

4/19

CALLA & Complementary strategies

CALLA – Chap. 6 & 8

 

21, 26, 35, 41

Practicum Rubric & Reflection

Thur.

4/26

Graduate Book Presentations

Modified Unit Activities & Presentations

LARSEN-F – Chap. 12

None

Modified Unit w/ Lessons & Handouts

Graduate Handouts & Presentations

Thur.

5/3

Final Exam

None

None

Final Exam

 

END OF COURSE-SPECIFIC MATERIAL

 

BEGINNING OF GENERAL SYLLABUS MATERIAL

 

Assessment:

I adhere to Georgia Southern University’s definitions for grading:

A   Exceptional capabilities and exceptional performance                             90-100

B    Significantly more effective command of the material than expected        80-89

C   Mastery of the material                                                                                     70-79

D   Grasp of the material is minimal                                                             60-69

F    Failure to master the essentials                                                             below 60

I will return graded assignments in as a timely fashion as possible.  I will gladly explain evaluation / assessment procedures and results.

 

Midterm Progress: Any student who wishes to discuss his or her cumulative class grade at mid-term (before the last day to withdraw without academic penalty) is encouraged to make an appointment with me. 

 

Attendance:

Punctual attendance is mandatory.  Your success in this course is dependent upon your presence.  Failure to attend all classes and scheduled field-based responsibilities will have a severe impact on your final course grade.  Any missed quizzes, in-class reflective writings, idea lists for team discussions, or homework, etc. – whether due to absence, illness, tardiness, or early departure will be recorded as zeros and cannot be made up.  Any missed time during a field practicum must be made up as soon as possible.  You are responsible for any notes, materials, or assignments missed during your absence.

 

participation in WebCT and Other Electronic instruction:

Nearly all my courses have an on-line element.  You will be expected to participate in the on-line aspects of this course as specified in this syllabus, as required for specific assignments, and as explained in class or on-line. Your participation in the on-line aspects of this course will impact your grade.  For example, WebCT provides me with a wide array of statistical tools for precisely tracking and measuring your participation in the course: the number of postings you make to bulletin boards and chats, the number of postings you read, the amount of time you spend reading postings, etc.  Your on-line participation is not only welcome; it is absolutely necessary if this course is to be successful. 

 

Guidelines for Preparing Assignments: 

·        Assignments and projects used to fulfill the requirements of this course are not to have been used for the fulfillment of requirements for other courses, except as explicitly described in the syllabus or assignments. 

·        All assignments are due on time as indicated in the course calendar. 

·        Late papers/assignments will be accepted for up to 1 week with a…

      … 10 point (1 letter grade) reduction in grade when less than 24 hours late.

      … 20 point (2 letter grades) reduction in grade when less than 1 week late.

      Unless the necessity to teach or use the assignment within a short period of time prohibits the consideration of late work.

·        All assignments are to be typed and stapled or bound together or submitted electronically as specified by the instructor. 

·        Each assignment must have your name, course section and the date clearly indicated

·        Demonstrate thoughtful reading, research, analysis and presentation in your work.

·        Your work must be yours – write in first person when appropriate.  Share your thoughts; don’t just copy the ideas of others.

·        Avoid strings of quotes or paraphrased material with little of substance linking and explaining these materials.  Instead, explain why you think certain quotes are significant and/or related to each other. 

·        Avoid use of the ‘generic he.’

·        Your grade will suffer if errors (grammar, spelling, punctuation) and poor composition and style make an assignment difficult to read.

·        Write, then edit, re-write, then proofread, re-write again, and ask friends to edit and proofread, and re-write yet again.

·        Make use of GSU’s Writing Center (call 871-1413).  It’s free!  They can help improve anyone’s writing.

·        Document your writing with bibliographies and citations using standard APA style. For clarifications regarding APA style see:            http://www2.gasou.edu/library/broch_ref/apastyle.pdf 

                                                            http://webster.commnet.edu/apa/apa_index.htm 

                                                            http://www.apastyle.org/elecref.html

·        Be sure to have at least two current, electronic copies of each assignment as you work on it.  Have a backup!  Computer snafus and last-minute printing problems do not excuse late work. 

 

Student Conduct, Academic Honesty, Professional Standards & Program Retention:

·        All students are expected to demonstrate professionalism and accept constructive criticism from instructors, supervisors, and peers.  Students are expected to critically and honestly reflect upon their own work.  Students must expect and tolerate diversity in their teaching and practicum experiences.  Students must demonstrate appropriate language and communication skills.

·        The GSU Student Conduct Code and Regulations regarding Academic Honesty will be enforced.  (See: http://www.stp.gasou.edu/scc/index.html).  Misconduct will be reported to the Office of Judicial Affairs and can result in severe penalties. 

·        Academic honesty is not just a nice idea, it is the rule at GSU.  Plagiarism will not be tolerated.  Plagiarism can lead to your immediate failure of this course.  Plagiarism includes: using someone else’s ideas or words without proper quotation marks and citations and/or failing to properly cite paraphrased material.

If you think that you can plagiarize and get away with it, see: http://www.asee.org/prism/december/html/student_plagiarism_in_an_onlin.htm

·        Cheating or any other infraction against the Student Conduct Code can lead to your immediate failure of this course.

·        The Professional Standards of Conduct outlined by this department will be enforced.

·        Candidates are expected to meet all requirements for retention in their program of study and the Teacher Education Program (TEP).  Unsuccessful progress toward meeting program objectives (including course assessments), unsatisfactory grades/GPA, and actions found in violation of the GSU Student Conduct Code or the Georgia PSC’s Code of Ethics can result in non-retention in these programs.

 

Students with Disabilities:

If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability that might affect your performance in this course, please contact the Student Disability Resource Center in Hampton Hall as soon as possible. The SDRC will determine appropriate accommodations based on testing and medical documentation.

 

Syllabus is subject to revision if necessary:

While the provisions of this syllabus are as accurate and complete as possible, the instructor reserves the right to change any provision herein without actual notice if circumstances so warrant.  Every effort will be made to keep candidates advised of such changes and information about such changes will be available at all times from the instructor.  It is the responsibility of each candidate to know what changes, if any, have been made to the provisions of this syllabus and to successfully complete the requirements of this course.  This syllabus may be part of a larger packet of material covering important aspects of this course and/or a block of courses. 

If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability that might affect your performance in this course, please contact the Student Disability Resource Center in Hampton Hall as soon as possible. The SDRC will determine appropriate accommodations based on testing and medical documentation.

 

Syllabus is subject to revision if necessary:

While the provisions of this syllabus are as accurate and complete as possible, the instructor reserves the right to change any provision herein without actual notice if circumstances so warrant.  Every effort will be made to keep students advised of such changes and information about such changes will be available at all times from the instructor.  It is the responsibility of each student to know what changes, if any, have been made to the provisions of this syllabus and to successfully complete the requirements of this course.  This syllabus may be part of a larger packet of material covering important aspects of this course and/or a block of courses.