Welcome

Rick Zepeda

Proficiency course

A little bit about me…

Icebreaker: A little bit about youI loveI admireI am fond of (verb+ing)I look forward to (verb+ing)I detest (noun or verb+ing)I loath (noun or verb+ing)

Where does the English lanaguage come from?

Why should I learn English?

1. English is one of the most widely spoken languages2. English will open up more opportunities for you3. English will make you more desirable to employers4. English gives you access to some of the world’s best universities5. English is the language of some of the world’s greatest literature6. English allows you to get more from popular culture7. English allows you to attend international conferences and events8. English has a simple alphabet and everyone’s equal9. English gives you wider access to knowledge10. English is a fantastic intellectual challenge!

How do I become a good language learner?Pensative Take risksRealisticIndependentOraganized and activeConcerned with fluency and accuracy

My expectations of my students....

Promote a culture of mutual respect and collabortive learningPunctualityPhysically and mentally present in class (not distracted by gadgets through out the class)Look for solutions not excusesStudiousBring materialUse the Englsih language

Grading Criteria 1

Each block is worth 50 points of the total course grade.

A portfolio: 40 points

Two online progress tests: 10 points

Course participants need to get at least 40 points per block, which corresponds to 80% of the 50 points. The passing grade at the end of the four blocks is 80.

The portfolio

Speaking skills: 15%

Writing skills: 20%

Pronunciation: 5%

Grading Criteria 2

Speaking skills: 15%

Course participants (CPs) need to choose three of the speaking tasks at the end of each of the six units (in the Scenario section) to be considered as their oral assessment. Each task will be worth 5%. Some of these tasks are done in groups, other are individual. In both cases CPs will be asked to self-evaluate. Additionally, the rest of CPs will peer-evaluate presenters with pre-established criteria. The Course Teacher (CT) will also provide feedback on the CPs’ performance.

Self-evaluation: 2.5 points

Peer evaluation: 2.5 points

CT evaluation: 5 points

Total: 10 points divided by 2 = 5 points (5% per task)

This speaking section of the portfolio will include: CP’s notes or outline for their presentations, and their evaluation slips.

Grading Criteria 3

Writing skills: 20%

Course participants (CPs) need to choose one of the writing tasks at the end of each of the six units (in the Study and Writing skills section) to be considered as their writing assessment. CPs will be given writing criteria for them to write their first and final draft. Based on these criteria CPs will be asked to self-evaluate their final draft. There will also be peer evaluation. CT will provide feedback on the CPs’ performance in the first and final draft.

Self-evaluation: 5 points

Peer evaluation: 5 points

CT evaluation: 10 points

Total: 20 points = 20%

Grading Criteria 4

Pronunciation: 10%

Course participants (CPs) need to choose one of the passages that will be preselected by the CT. These passages must contain phonetic and phonological features where CPs should demonstrate mastery or improvement either at a segmental or suprasegmental level (intonation, assimilation or other phonological processes). The passage needs to be given to CPs in advance so that they can rehearse and record it in audio.

CT evaluation: 10 points = 10%

The CPs’ audio recording will be an e-component of their portfolio.

Grading Criteria 5

The two online progress tests: 10%

Block 1: Assign one test from units 1-3 (5%) and one test from units 4-6 (5%).

Block 2: Assign one test from units 7-9 (This score will not be part of the 50 points from block 1).