Description:

This course provides English Language Learning (ELL) students an integrated communication experience on the high beginning college level. Students will learn effective techniques for reading, studying and using American English in an academic setting. This is the first reading course in the sequence of courses. This course does not fulfill degree requirements. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Establish goals based on assessments.
2. Describe American educational practices and expectations for the college classroom.
3. Apply self-efficacy strategies to locate resources to foster active learning.
4. Demonstrate metacognitive and self-monitoring strategies while reading.
5. Read and respond to various types of literary genre.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of phonological rules and word attack skills when reading aloud.
7. Apply effective study and reading strategies.
8. Demonstrate increased fluency and automaticity in oral reading along with improved oral and/or written retelling.
9. Correlate American English pronunciation symbols with the symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet.
10. Expand vocabulary through reading by using context clues, word parts, and/or a dictionary.
11. Identify and explain popular American idioms.
12. Demonstrate reading comprehension by explaining a passage’s meaning.
13. Analyze and evaluate what has been read for its personal value and application.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Utilizing Assessments
   A. Complete reading and writing formal and informal pre and post
assessments.
   B. Set semester and long-term goals based on pre and post assessments.

II.  Examining American Educational Practices
   A. Compare how educational systems are structured in the United States
and various other countries.
   B. Discuss differences in attitudes towards education.
   C. Identify expectations in the American college classroom.

III. Applying Self-efficacy Strategies
   A. Explore the concept of “self-efficacy” as it pertains to
American culture.
   B. Analyze the process of active learning.
   C. Locate persons, materials, and places that supply learning
resources. 

IV. Demonstrating Metacognitive Strategies
   A. Identify the practices and habits of effective learners. 
   B. Explore self-assessment techniques that determine understanding. 
   C. Explain the principle of schema and ways to connect new information
to prior learning.

V. Reading Literary Genre
   A. Differentiate between poetry and prose. 
   B. Read and respond to various types of poetry, non-fiction and prose.
   
VI. Demonstrating Word Attack Skills and Building Fluency
   A. Review English phonology rules.
   B. Read aloud to practice pronunciation, syllabication, and stress
patterns.
   C. Listen to and practice stress patterns, rhyme and meter in American
prose and verse.
   D. Prepare audio tapes to demonstrate automaticity and fluency. 

VII. Applying Reading and Study Strategies
   A. Practice strategies that promote engagement, elaboration, and visual
representation. 
   B. Practice think-alouds, recitation, and summarization. 

VIII. Correlating Pronunciation Symbols
   A. Review symbols for the International Phonetic Alphabet.
   B. Compare ITA symbols with common American English symbols.
   C. Use American English symbols.

IX. Expanding Vocabulary
   A. Discuss and compile definitions of new words found in reading
material.
   B. Practice using context clues to establish definitions.
   C. Use an American dictionary to explain a word’s meaning. 
   D. Practice identifying common roots and affixes in the English
language.

X. Recognizing American Idioms
   A. Identify and discuss idiomatic expressions which cannot be literally
translated.
   B. Practice paraphrasing American idioms.

XI. Demonstrating Comprehension
   A. Practice paraphrase material that has been read.
   B. Identify the topic sentence when it is stated.
   C. Be able to create a main idea and its supporting points after
reading a paragraph.
   

XII. Fostering Critical Thinking
   A. React to passages of text with questions and opinions.
   B. Collaborate with others to share ideas and views about written
text.
   C. Evaluate text for its personal worth or enrichment.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

 20 – 30 % Class Participation
 40 – 50 % In-class Assignments; Homework
 20 – 30%  Exams, Quizzes, Assessments  
    100 %  Total

Grade Criteria:
A =  90 – 100%   
B =  80 – 89%   
C =  70 – 79%
D =  60 – 69%
F = below 60%

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.