Course Description for L540 (ICP)

Course Content:

This course provides an overview of various approaches to ESL instruction and assessment that incorporate some of the current thinking in the field of ESL

Sheltered instruction, content-based instruction, and problem-based instruction are examples of pedagogical models that will be discussed. Assessment models, in addition to traditional and standardized tests, will include alternative and authentic methods of assessment.

A detailed listing of topics, assignments, and activities that will be covered during the semester is provided in the course schedule.

The course is designed for l anguage, content-area, and ESL teachers at all levels, as well as other professionals interested in addressing the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) from diverse backgrounds. In addition, individuals interested in certification in ENL and/or in updating their professional teaching licenses in the area of language teaching will also find this course useful.

Readings:

All course readings are available online via E-reserves. The password will be provided by the instructor.

Registered students will need usernames and passwords from the University in order to access Oncourse.

Course expectations:

As professionals, we'll work together in this course to improve our knowledge, understanding, and competence regarding our own areas of ESL/ENL instruction and assessment, and those of our classroom colleagues. Each of us in this class will know more in some areas and less in others; each participant will take on the role of mentor in some situations and novice in others. In all of these contexts, you should expect from yourself and the other participants very high standards of professional conduct. Unprofessional conduct will be considered grounds for student expulsion.

Evaluation:

a. Written Assignments: Rubrics for each assignment are provided. Submission dates are listed on the schedule.

b. Student participation will also be a major part of the evaluation.

Class Evaluation:

At the end of the semester, you will be asked to evaluate your experiences in the class. The evaluation form for the class will be created toward the end of the semester, and you will be able to access the form at EvalOnline.

General Policies at IUB regarding course completion:

Our on-line courses are designed to be highly interactive and to include weekly dialogue among students and instructors. Because of this, we need for you to participate consistently, and to keep up with the course readings and assignments.

Students who do not complete a course within the semester are responsible for making arrangements with the instructor regarding the provisions they will make and the timeline they will follow to finish the course. Students should not assume that they will automatically be granted a grade of Incomplete at the end of the semester if they have not completed the course requirements.

If a student has not completed the course requirements for the course by the end of the semester , the instructor will give the grade that is most appropriate from the following choices:

FN (Failed for Non-attendance) Indicates that the failing grade was earned because the student neglected to participate or stopped participating in the course. This grade is not assigned for poor performance. Participation in the class consists of communication with the instructor and other students, turning in assigned work on time, contributing ideas in class discussions, etc. A student who has ceased communication with his/her instructor may receive this grade.

I (Incomplete) Indicates that coursework has been done satisfactorily by the end of the semester, but has not been completed. This usually means that the majority of assignments have been done satisfactorily and only a fraction remains. The student needs to make specific arrangements with his/her instructor regarding how and when the rest of the required work will be submitted. The maximum time allowed for the removal of an Incomplete grade is one calendar year, but most incompletes should extend for only a few weeks or months. After 12 months, the university automatically converts an Incomplete to a grade of F.

If a student has completed some, but not all, of the required coursework, and has not made arrangements with the instructor to complete the rest of the requirements, the instructor, at her/his discretion, may give a grade reflecting the completion of coursework that has been evaluated to that point.