Instructor: Amy Kayser
Contact information
Email Address: akayser@cuesta.edu
Phone Number: 805-592-9821
Virtual Student Hours (for extra help): MW 3:30-4:45pm and by appointment on Zoom
Email is the best way to contact me. You can text me through Remind app. I respond within 24-48 hours.
Course Description
Welcome to ESL 735 - High-intermediate Conversation! This course will help you develop your listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills. You will improve your ability to communicate in social and work speaking environments. Class activities consist of role-plays, interviews, pronunciation and listening exercises. You can take this class at the same time as ESL 705/715, ESL 706, and ESL 799.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Communicate effectively at the intermediate - high-intermediate level.
- Identify main ideas & details from interviews, conversations, and presentations.
Course Environment
This online course will meet using Zoom, a video conference tool, Monday and Wednesday 5:15-6:15pm. We use Canvas to access learning materials, resources, and video links and complete assignments and quizzes.
Before the semester starts, you will receive a text message with the link to the Zoom meeting for the first class. Continuing Education staff will help you log onto Canvas https://cuesta.instructure.com/. I will demonstrate Canvas features on Zoom throughout the semester.
Please be prepared to spend 7.5 hours a week on this course. In addition to the Zoom class meetings, you should make time to watch videos, complete homework assignments, and study for quizzes.
Textbook
Evolve Level 3B by Hendra, ISBN 13: 9781108409209
This textbook will be provided to you for FREE from the ESL department. You will need to complete a Google Form that I send to you so that we can get the information to send the book to you.
To be able to participate fully in the course, you need basic computer skills. A laptop or Chromebook is best. You can borrow one from the Cuesta library on the San Luis Obispo Campus or the North County Center. We use the following technology for the class:
- Zoom for class sessions
- Canvas for class materials, homework, and communication
- Remind to send and receive class text messages
It’s important that you contact me, our class tutor, or Continuing Education staff, Alicia Paniagua at 805-268-7825 or 805-546-3941 if you have problems with technology, and we can connect you with resources. You can also email support@my.cuesta.edu for technical help.
College and Course Policies
Adding the Class
This is a noncredit class with managed enrollment. You can add the class until the end of the second week of the semester.
Attendance
Participating regularly in the Zoom class sessions is important for your success. You are responsible for all work even if you are absent. Contact me or a classmate for information about work that you missed.
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.
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. Your grade will be determined in the following way:
25% chapter quizzes, 25% speaking assignments, 25% final exam, 25% textbook exercises/homework (in and outside of class)
Accommodations
Please talk to me about any special needs that you have. Extra help is available for students with disabilities. Contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services) at dspsinfo@cuesta.edu or 805-546-3148 for more information.
Student Expectations
You are expected to follow Cuesta’s academic honesty policy and student code of conduct. Read the brochure for more information.
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