Teacher: Debbie Anholt

office phone: 503-768-7319

home phone: 503-774-7020 (don't call after 9:30 p.m.)

Time: 10:30-12:30 Mondays through Fridays

(Fridays will be in the computer lab or reading lab)

It is most interesting to learn a language if we have an interesting topic to read about and discuss. One of the biggest problems we face today is environmental degradation. We will use this topic as the focus of our readings and writings.

Focus on the Environment

Ecology and the Environment

Writing Research Papers

Hatchet

In this course we will be practicing all the skills of English so that you will be prepared for academic studies in the United States. An emphasis is placed on reading and writing because it is through reading and writing that your professors will evaluate your knowledge of the subject matter. We will spend time in the library and write a research paper. We will also listen to videotapes and practice notetaking skills. Finally, we will have class discussions to practice speaking.

I believe that it is my job to offer you the chances to learn English. I believe it is your responsibility to make use of these opportunities in order to improve. Here are my ideas about how you can learn English more quickly:

(a) Come to class every day and on time. Students who are absent or late will miss important practice and important information. Generally, students who are absent 20% or more will not be able to pass the class because they have missed too much. (b) If you are absent, call a friend and ask what you missed. It is your responsibility to do this. It's important to do all the homework even if you have been absent. Do not be absent on the day of a quiz or an exam. Don't expect a make-up exam. (c) Bring your supplies. A student who forgets the book or paper or a pencil is not serious about learning English.

(d) Always prepare for your group work. When we work in groups, we share information, help each other, and understand the material better. If you aren't prepared, the other students can't learn from you, and you won't benefit from their information, either.

 (e) Write all the essays and rewrite them until they are acceptable. Writing and rewriting will improve your English. Also, writing improves your cognitive skills (thinking skills) because it forces you to organize your thoughts.

 (f) Read, read, read, read, read. You need to read English all the time. Don't spend a lot of time watching TV or speaking your language. If you have free time, read a newspaper, read a book, read a magazine, read the back of a box of corn flakes, read the words on a can of food. Reading a lot will improve your English more than any other single type of practice.

3-ring binder, notebook paper, dividers

one spiral notebook (a thin one is OK)

Macintosh zip disk

pencils, papers, highlighter pens, erasers, etc.

a good dictionary (English/English, not electronic)

These books and supplies can be bought at the LC bookstore. Also, students must type their compositions on the computer. If you do not know how to use a keyboard should buy Computer Keyboarding for Students of English as a Second Language from the ISALC office. You will need to practice about 20-30 hours to learn the keyboard.

created by: Debbie Anholt, anholt@lclark.edu
updated: May 9, 2000