ESL 704

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Welcome to ESL 704!

Beginning-High Integrated Skills 

Fall 2020 (CRN # 73667)

 

INSTRUCTOR 

Jessica Michelsen 

jessica_michelsen@cuesta.edu 

Contact: Please email me with any questions. I usually respond within 24 hours. We can also schedule a phone or Zoom appointment.  

 

TUTOR 

Sandra Allen 

Study sessions: Tuesdays 2:30 – 4:30pm virtually in the Student Success Center  

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION   

Welcome to ESL 704! I am honored to help you improve your English language skills. This course develops reading, writing, listening and speaking skills at the beginning-high level. 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES 

After this course you will read, write, and communicate at the beginning-high level.  At the end of the semester you will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate comprehension of beginning-high level reading texts. 
  • Write sentences using beginning-high level vocabulary and grammatical structures.  
  • Recognize and use beginning-high level grammatical structures 

 

CLASS MATERIALS

  • Textbook:  Ventures 2 3rd ed. Student’s Book and Workbook  by G. Bitterlin, D. Johnson, D. Price, S. Ramirez, and K. L. Savage   
    • We will study Units 1 – 5 this semester 
  • You will need your MyCuesta username and password to course material, assignments, and quizzes in Canvas (https://cuesta.instructure.com).   

 

REQUIRED REGULAR CONTACT 

  • Our class will meet Monday and Wednesday evenings for one hour on ZOOM. You can join our ZOOM class from 6:30pm – 7:50pm. These Zoom meetings will be an opportunity to practice your English with your instructor and classmates.  
  • Since our course is online, you will be doing most of the coursework on your own, using Canvas to guide you through various activities including reading, writing short paragraphs and responses, and watching videos. 
  • Please email Jessica if you cannot attend a Zoom class! I will take attendance just like a regular class. Please check Canvas for assignments and announcements if you cannot attend a Zoom class.  

 

ATTENDANCE / PARTICIPATION 

To fully participate in the course, basic computer skills will be needed, including:  

    • using email to read and reply to messages 
    • using Canvas to click on links, take quizzes, and submit homework 
    • visiting Canvas regularly and checking your notification settings to be sure that you see assignments and information in a timely manner   
    • using the phone app or website Flipgrid to watch and record videos  
    • using the online website for our book, Ventures Arcade 
    • participating in Zoom classes  

 

COURSE EVALUATION 

This is a non-credit course. Each student receives a P (Pass), SP (Satisfactory Progress), or NP (No Pass). In order to pass, you must achieve a 70% or higher on the course objectives. 

30%- Quizzes, 30%- Homework, 15%- EL Civics, 15%- Participation, 10%- Final Exam

LATE WORK 

Homework and assignments are expected on time. Due dates are posted in Canvas and shared during Zoom meetings. If you have an emergency, contact me for an extension. 

EXTRA HELP 

  • Please ask me questions! Please tell me if you don’t understand something, or if you want me to repeat something. I hope that you will feel comfortable, make mistakes, and ask for help in class. Class is a great opportunity to practice your English skills with others who are also learning.  
  • Students with disabilities: If you think you might need special accommodations in this class, please talk to me. I am happy to help you with any learning or physical disabilities. You can also contact Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) at Cuesta College. 
  • For technical issues such as accessing Canvas, or problems with your Cuesta username and password, call the ESL Office in SLO at (805) 546-3941 or in North County at (805) 591-6273.  
  • Our tutor, Sandra, is available for extra speaking or grammar practice via Zoom from the Student Success Center. You can meet with her on Tuesdays from 2:30 – 4:30pm. 

 

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT

In our ESL class, we are lucky to have students from many different countries and cultures. It is my intent that the diversity of culture in our class is viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. If something is said in class (by anyone) that makes you feel unwelcome or uncomfortable, please come talk to me about it. I will try to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity, in ways that meet student’s diverse learning styles. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students. 

INFORMATION FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS 

Your instructor and Cuesta College are committed to supporting the success of students regardless of immigration status. If you or someone you know would like resources for undocumented students, please check or share these resources:   

https://mydocumentedlife.org 

Monarch Center at Cuesta College, Estela Vasquez: evazquez@cuesta.edu   

Ariana Jimenez (Cuesta Transfer Center, DACA information):  ariana_jimenez@cuesta.edu 

 

COURSE OVERVIEW

 

  • Module 0: Course orientation
  • Module 1: Ventures Welcome Unit + Unit 1, Personal Information
  • EL Civics: Use online tools to communicate and collaborate with others
  • Module 2: Ventures Unit 2, At school
  • Module 3: Ventures Unit 3, Friends and family 
  • Module 4: Ventures Unit 4, Health 
  • Module 5: Ventures Unit 5, Places and directions
  • Last day of class: Monday, December 14 
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