A combination of 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
- summarizing short stories, articles, video and audio tapes
- previewing/surveying large sections of text (chapters, etc.)
- evaluating own comprehension, through self-reflection, relating to previous knowledge
- drawing inferences and conclusions
- categorizing information and ideas
- arguing for and against ideas presented in textin discussions and written assignments
- reading and critically discussing and answering questions in writing about a variety of materials in terms of purpose, cause and effect, logic, fact and opinion, character analysis, point of view (including validity of computer source)
- identifying comparison and contrast, outcome and sequence
- identifying and discussing writer’s point of view and underlying assumptions, andappraising validity of material from own experience
- reading and discussing a novel, selected short stories, articles, poetry, songs, etc.
Writing
- setting purpose for writing and identifying audience expectations
- using a variety of processes for generating andorganizing writing (i.e. brainstorming, outlining, mapping, etc.)
- evaluating drafts and considering feedback
- revising and editing written work
- writing expanded paragraphs with more sophisticated detail and vocabulary
- summarizing a writing sample (article, short story, etc.)
- producing coherent paragraphs including expository paragraphs
- writing business letters using standard format
- responding to selected material and differentiating between personal and author’s view pointafter reading, viewing or listening
- using a broad range of punctuation including quotations and semi-colons
- using a variety of simple, compound and complex sentences in written paragraphs
- identifying and correcting fragments and run-ons in writing
- using subject/verb agreement and consistent verb tense
- using standard pronoun reference and agreement
- using commas correctly
- using apostrophes to show possession
- using a dictionary and other spelling aids
- integrating a variety of spelling strategies
- using a thesaurus to locate synonyms
- distinguishing between formal and informal language in writing
Skills and Strategies for Classroom Learning
- managing time and meeting goals
- using a variety of test-taking strategies
- developing strategies to enhance capacity as a learner (e.g.stress management, time management, problem solving)
- establishing purpose for listening and/or viewing
- using inferential thinking skills
- distinguishing between conversational (colloquial) and more formal (standard) spoken language
- giving concise, purposeful explanations
- using critical thinking skills to determine validity of information
- communicating respectfully with instructors and classmates
Computer Skills
- word processing a document (creating, editing, saving, retrieving and printing)
- using a variety of search engines to find relevant information
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 time management
- improve communication skills
- improve critical thinking
- improve test taking strategies
- improve personal learning strategies
- develop an awareness of levels of language formality
Computer Skills:
- improve word processing skills
- improve information search skills
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.
A minimum of 40% of the grade is allocated to 5 reading-based writing assignments (minimum of one in-class). No more than 60% of grade is allocated to additional various reading and writing evaluations such as quizzes, summaries, paragraphs, journals, responses, tests, sentence skills, oral presentations, etc.
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.
ENGU 0156 or ENGU placement test and interview.