ES 111 - English as a Second Language: Writing and Grammar I

2. Write simple paragraphs about basic subjects.

3. Use correct paragraph form.

4. Understand basic grammar rules.

5. Use basic grammar rules correctly in writing and speech.

6. Follow basic rules of punctuation and capitalization.

7. Edit writing for simple grammatical and mechanical errors.

8. Complete work accurately, with attention to detail. 

9. Give and receive constructive feedback.

II. Present basic grammar rules (word order, count and non-count nouns, etc.)

III. Lead activities to practice new grammar rules

IV. Teach basic spelling rules and patterns

V. Teach basic capitalization and punctuation rules

VI. Help students to create sentences following the rules mentioned above

VII. Use incorrect sentences to teach students to identify and correct grammatical and mechanical mistakes

VIII. Introduce editing symbols and help students to use teacher and peer comments to improve their writing

IX. Present ways to organize sentences into simple paragraphs

X. Introduce correct paragraph form

Lecture: 25-30%

Individual skills practice: 25-30%

-Course should include a minimum of 10 pieces of informal writing, not necessarily grammatically correct. This could include journal writing, personal response, group writing, etc.

-Course should include a minimum of 3 finalized simple paragraph assignments, typed.

-Paragraph writing is done as a way to practice good sentence structure.

-Teachers will emphasize drafting, revising, and peer review.

-More than one genre of writing must be used.

-A range of instructional strategies, including group and/or pair work, is required in all composition classes. Lecture must not dominate.

-Paraphrasing and summarizing activities should be included.

-Midterm and final exams are not required, but may be given, not to exceed 20% of the final grade.

Essential Abilities
English as a Second Language

The Grand Rapids Community College English Department faculty has specified essential abilities critical to the success of students in any GRCC English as a Second Language course. Students must demonstrate these essential abilities to succeed in their program of study. Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria, and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these essential abilities with reasonable accommodations as required by law. Each function and skill listed below is connected to a specific example that is typical of the general requirement.

1. Essential judgment skills to include:

• Students will have the ability to identify, assess, and comprehend surrounding situations for the purpose of problem solving and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.

• Students are expected to meet deadlines by completing their work in and outside of the classroom.   
• Students are expected to adhere to the syllabus and respect authority and the classroom culture.
• Students are expected to accept and work with classmates who have different values and beliefs.

2. Essential physical/neurological functions to include:

• Listening – Students will be able to listen attentively to faculty and their peers.
• Concentration – Students will be able to maintain focus on class-related tasks.
• Managing relationships – Students will be able to negotiate one-on-one, small group, and whole-class relationships.
• Physical adaptability – Students will be able to negotiate the classroom space and adapt to changing classroom configurations.
• Production of typewritten material – Students will be able to produce typewritten documents in a timely manner.

3. Essential communication skills to include:

• Ability to work in word processing, to use Dragon (or other spoken software) or to handwrite to produce a document or other forms of written communication.
• Ability to use a computer for access to Bb, student email and the internet.

• Ability to engage in spoken communication with appropriate accommodation.
• Appropriate listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as determined by placement test scores and/or successful completion of the previous level of the course.

4.  Essential emotional coping skills:

• Willingness to work cooperatively in pairs or small groups.
• Ability to work independently on classroom assignments and homework.
• Motivation to complete academic goals.
• Ability to manage stressful situation and deadlines.
• Acceptance of feedback - the student must be willing to accept constructive feedback from instructors and peers.
• Ability to ask questions and utilize available resources.

5.  Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include:

• Ability to understand, interpret and complete the student learning outcomes for the class.  
• Ability to stay on task for the required time without a mental break.
• Ability to understand that intellectually you are at a college level and come to class with the expectation of academic rigor.  
• Ability to engage in the learning process.

6. Other essential behavioral attributes:

• The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student at GRCC.  
• Students must come to the class and engage in behaviors consistent with safe practice without demonstrated behaviors of abuse or dependence on substances that impair behavior or judgment.