Independent Projects

ESLA 8180, Content Elective II

Intensive English Program
Monterey Institute of International Studies
Winter 2012
Instructor: Mike Garnett Office Hours: By appointment (room C218)
Class Schedule: Tue. & Thurs. 9:00-10:20 am
Wed. 10:30-11:50 am
Office Phone: 647-3500
Cell Phone: 831- 402-4481
Classroom: C114 Email: mike.thejetties@gmail.com
Course Description:
This course will show you how to improve your English with creativity and self confidence! In
Independent Projects, you will learn how to create and manage your own language learning with
the support of your teacher (and classmates if you want their help :)
You will learn how to use listening and reading to support your speaking and writing.
You will learn how you learn best by asking the right questions and by reflecting on your
learning.
You will create and manage your own language learning project. For example, you might:
(1) identify an interesting characteristic of English, create a research question to
investigate, and observe native or non-native speakers of English in a setting that is
interesting to you and report your findings.
(2) create your own short film, service learning activity, clothing, musical instruments,
language learning portfolio or even your own surf board and surf it!
The possibilities of practicing English while doing the things you love is endless! As you read
and listen to "experts," you will research, evaluate, critically analyze, create, explain, and teach
others how to follow in your footsteps.
Course Goals:
To help you design a class that makes you excited about learning English.
To unleash your power and develop your agency!
To improve the fluency and accuracy of your speaking and writing by learning how to
appropriately use new vocabulary and multi-word expressions that explain and describe.
To develop strategies for repairing communication breakdowns.
To increase every students experience and confidence while working with native and non-
native speakers of English in and out of the classroom.
To explore and explain interesting language phenomena, using sociolinguistic and
folklinguistic methods of analysis.
Course Project and Assignments:
In the beginning of the course (Week 1-5), assignments will focus on:
Identifying and creating language learning opportunities.
Learning how to use free or inexpensive resources for English learning purposes.
Mastering learning management using tasks.
After Week 5, in February, you will be responsible for planning and completing your own
Independent Research Project. You will use your classmates and teacher as support for your
English development. Your project should follow the guidelines below. My role is to guide you
through the process and to help facilitate each step:
Step 1: Ask an interesting question that needs an educated answer!
Step 2: Decide how you will share the answer (Will you be making an oral presentation, a movie,
a photo story, or a text?)
Step 3: Determine how the answer will take shape and design a flowchart to depict the steps in
your project, from beginning to end,
Step 4: Prepare for the language demands of Step 5.
Step 5: Do research and development work to answer your question! Draft a project report.
Step 6: Prepare for the language demands of Step 7.
Step 7: Edit your project report draft and critically reflect on your language learning experiences.
Step 8: Prepare for the language demands of Step 9.
Step 9: Make a final presentation of your project and advertise final product.
Step 10: Evaluate the project.
Course Assessment:
This course is Pass/Fail; in order to receive a passing grade you must PASS: 100%-70%:
Have no unexcused absences
Actively participate in class activities
Submit all homework and assignments on time
Assignments Value
Reflection Journals (first 5 weeks) 15% (5% each)
Presentation on Non-verbal Communication 10%
Journal Entries (second 5 weeks) 20% (5% each)
Student Interview 10%
Trade Fair 15%
Homework 20%
Attendance and Participation 10%
Student Responsibilities:
1. Attendance and active participation are required. Coming to class, being prepared, and
participating will help you improve your English. If you are going to be late or miss a class
or appointment, please contact or email the appropriate party in advance. Being absent or
late to class or an appointment without a good reason will result in a lowered grade.
2. Turn in assignments on time. Late assignments may result in a lowered grade. If you know
you will be turning in an assignment late, email me in advance and we can discuss your
options.
3. You will have fun and stay positive throughout the course, while making sure that your
interests and goals are being met. This includes helping others stay positive by making them
smile and helping them meet their goals.
Teacher Responsibilities:
1. I will facilitate your language learning and encourage you every step of the way. I will be
your support in and out of the classroom, and to the best of my ability, I will make sure you
are being challenged and kept happy.
2. I will provide you with feedback on your use of English (e.g., speaking, reading, listening and
writing) in the classroom, and I will help you reflect on your language use and language
experiences out of the classroom, so that you can benefit from them as much as possible.
Materials:
You will bring the following materials to class everyday to help you organize your classwork and
outside research.
2-inch binder
Access to paper, lined and blank, and a hole puncher.
Writing utensils
Laptop/computer, Smart Phone, etc.
Internet
Copy card and Papercut account
Course Schedule: [To be announced] Some changes to the schedule may occur as we progress
through the session.