Reading, Writing, & Learning Methods for ESL

TEAE 4020 / 5020 / 6020

3.0 credit hours

Course Description:  TEAE 4020/5020/6020 is designed to build background knowledge regarding oral, reading, and writing development in English for K-12 English language learners.  The course covers language acquisition theories, literacy development in the first and second language, classroom organization, teaching strategies, and instructional methods in reading and all content areas as well as assessment procedures for effective English language instruction in the PreK-12 classroom environment.  The course is specifically designed to assist practicing classroom teachers in meeting the needs of English language learners and newly arriving immigrant students with varying levels of English language proficiency and varying levels of educational experiences.  The course is not recommended for teachers of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) or Foreign Language teachers.     

Course Objectives:  As a result of completing the course, students will be able to:

Prerequisites and Corequisities: None

Course Topics:

Unit 1 - Introduction to ESL Methods - Cultural /Differences, Intro to Assessment, Newly Arriving Immigrant, Types of Programs, Standards-Based Reform, and Sociocultural Factors

Unit 2 - Second Language Acquisition and Literacy Development - Language Proficiency Levels, Differences Between L1 and L2 Literacy Development, Age Factors, SLA Theories, Language Development, Literacy Practices, Current Issues in ESL Assessment Practices

Unit 3 - Assessment and Thematic Teaching in the ESL Setting - Overview of "Designer Methods," SDAIE, Group and Classroom Management Strategies for ESL, Thematic Instruction, Methods, Materials, and Literacy, Authentic Assessment Strategies and Tools, Building Student Profiles, Selecting Materials for ESL Instruction

Unit 4 - Oral Language Development - Perspectives in Oral Language Development, Differences Between L1 and L2 Oral Language Development, SLA Oral Proficiency, The SOLOM as a Tool for Assessment, and Techniques and Strategies for Promoting Oral Language Proficiency

Unit 5 - Emergent Literacy in the Second Language Learner - Early Literacy Development in L1 and L2, Differences in Literacy Patterns Among Cultures, Emergent Literacy and Readiness in L1 and L2, Strategies for Promoting Early Literacy and Biliteracy, Second Language Reading Development, Differences in Cultural Narratives and Structures

Unit 6 - Writing Development and the Second Language Learner - Process Writing in Two Languages, Phases of ESL Writing Development, Strategies to Promote Writing in the ESL Classroom, Use and Development of Writing Prompts to Promote Writing Development, Evaluation of Materials for Writing Instruction, Adaptations and Development of Writing Rubrics for ESL Students, and Assessment Practices with Portfolios

Unit 7 - Literacy, Literature, and Reading Development in ESL Students - Literature-Based Instruction,  Developmentally Appropriate Literature and Texts, Connecting with Literature, Multicultural Literature and Use in the ESL Setting, Developing Vocabulary and Comprehension, Using Literature in Content Instruction to Promote CALP, Book Talks for BICS Development, Methods for Reading Instruction - A Balanced Approach - and Adaptations for ESL Instruction, Assessment of ESL Reading, and Multiple Strategies for Error Correction

Unit 8 - CALLA - The Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach - Introduction to the CALLA Method, Appropriate Strategies for Proficiency Levels, Demands of Content Instruction in the Middle and High School, Language Learning Strategies Within Content Instruction (Developing Metacognitive Skills in Two Languages), Standards-Based Instruction, Assessment Techniques (Peer, Group, Individual), Developing Materials for CALLA Instruction, and Calla Sequence in Specific Subject Areas

Unit 9 - Home and Community Connection - Working with Non-English Speaking Parents, the Home Language Survey, Family Structures, Community Involvement, and the Parent-School Connection

Specific Course Requirements:  The course content is divided into nine units of study.  Related reading assignments as well as handouts for each unit will assist in understanding the material.  The units consist of:

All assignments are designed to provide relevant information and application of knowledge within the Pre-K-12 classroom, therefore, students are required to complete an Action Research Project as part of the course requirements.  In order to successfully complete the course, students should be familiar with specific software applications as well as comfortable working within the online learning environment.

All assignments must be saved in MS Word.  The online environment offered via the WebCT site requires that all completed assignments must be uploaded through the course site.  Successful completion of the course depends on the timely completion of assignments as well as adhering to deadlines.   In addition to the materials available via the WebCT course site, related slide shows and examples of curriculum materials can be found on the TEAE 4020/5020/6020 CD.  To access the materials on the CD, you will need MS Word and MS PowerPoint.  (A viewer for MS PowerPoint can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft Support Site)

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course:

 http://rodp.bkstr.com

Hardware Requirements: 

   The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_softwware.htm

Software Requirements:

   The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm