Free ESL at Cincinnati Statewith Rebecca!

Getting to know you!

The Line Game How much do we have in common?

Let’s find out!

Who…? Speaks 2 languages? 3 languages? 4 languages or more?

Has studied English for less than a year / one year / 2-3 years / 4 years or more?

Has lived in Cincinnati for less than a year / one year / 2-3 years / 4 years or longer?

Currently has a job?

Has children? Is married?

Is Christian? Muslim? Hindu? Jewish? Buddhist? Agnostic? Something different?

Who…? Wants to change their profession? Get a better job?

Thinks English grammar is difficult? Has stronger English vocabulary than English grammar? Has difficulties with English pronunciation?

Has attended this class for one year, less than one year, longer than one year?

Loves music and movies?

Is afraid of public speaking?

Is surprised by the results of this Line Game?

What do you think?

Do you think we have more in common than we have differences?

Are you surprised?

Does it matter?

The bottom line: we are all here to learn because we WANT to learn! Let’s discuss our REASONS for improving our English!

Short Term Goals vs. Long Term Goals

Example:

Francois’ long term goal is to get an excellent job position in an international trade company.

Francois’ short term goal is to finish his Associates degree in International Trade.

Short Term Goals vs. Long Term Goals

Example:

Monika’s long term goal is to prepare a delicious, fancy feast for her mother in law.

Monika’s short term goal is to learn how to cook soup.

What are your long term goals for improving your English?

In your group, discuss:

What are your long term goals for improving your English? Discuss 1+ long term goals, and explain why it is so important for you to meet these goals!

WRITE DOWN your goals on paper!

Holes in your knowledge! Everybody has “holes in their knowledge.”

The question is, what holes do you have in your knowledge of English?

Examples might include:

• Not knowing the language rules for a job interview

• Not knowing how to place an order over the phone

• Not knowing how to write an academic essay

Holes in your knowledge! What holes do you have in your knowledge of

English?

In your group, discuss these “holes!”

Next, discuss plans to gain the knowledge you need!

• WRITE DOWN your ideas!

What are your SHORT term goals for improving your English?

Think about this Spring Term at Cincinnati State. We have 9 Monday night classes in this term.

In your group, discuss:

What are your short term goals for improving your English in our Free ESL class in this Spring Term at Cincinnati State?

Discuss 1+ short term goals, and explain why it is so important for you to meet these goals!

WRITE DOWN your goals on paper! Be prepared to share!

Our Short Term Goals for Spring TermFree ESL at Cincinnati State

Adult ESL learners, GET CONNECTED!

Tuesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Public Library, downtown, in the Huenefeld Tower Room

2802 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH

(513) 369-6034

Topics of discussion for immigrants: ESOL classes, social services, job training, and MORE!

I hope you can attend!

What did you learn from Emilia?

In your group, discuss:

What are the three most important things you learned from Emilia this autumn and winter?

Can you agree on the three things? (Maybe not!)

WRITE DOWN your answers!

Be prepared to share!

All About You! Please use the paper in the packets I have given you. Number

your answers (1., 2., 3.).

Write your answers in complete sentences when possible.

I will use this information to design our course for this Spring term, so you can meet as many of your short-term learning goals as possible!

Languages!1. What is your name? (first last, e.g., Rebecca

Hale)

2. What do you like to be called? (e.g., a nickname)

3. What is your home country? (e.g., USA)

4. Write the names of all (1+) of the countries where you have lived. (e.g., USA, Russia)

5. How long have you studied English? (e.g., less than one year, one year, ten years, etc.)

Education6. Did you finish elementary school? In which country?

7. Did you finish high school? In which country?

8. Do you have any college degrees? Write details.

Your Opinion about Your English

9. What do think about your READING in English?

- easy, sometimes easy, difficult

10. What do think about your WRITING in English?

- easy, sometimes easy, difficult

11. What do think about your LISTENING in English?

- easy, sometimes easy, difficult

12. What do think about your SPEAKING in English?

- easy, sometimes easy, difficult

English Pronunciation

13. Please write and describe any difficulties you have with English pronunciation. Give an example of an English sound or word that is very difficult for you.

e.g.: The English “L” and “R” sounds are

very difficult for me. The word “really” is

always a problem for me.

Learning Styles14. Do you like to learn…

With visuals and images?

With audio sound?

With physical movement?

With written text? Abcdefghikjlmnop…

With something else? What is it??

Language Buddies15. Which language(s) do you speak at home?

16. Language Buddies: With WHOM (people) do you practice your English? Where (at home, at work, on the bus, at the store)?

17. Do you have enough English Language Buddies in your life?? Yes or no?

18. Have you ever practiced a “language exchange?” Did you teach your native languageto someone who taught you English? Was it asuccess?

How many hours per day do you…

19. SPEAK English? (#)

20. READ in English? (#)

21. WRITE in English? (#)

22. LISTEN to English? (#)

23. WORK? (#)

24. SLEEP? (#)

Technology25. What kinds of TECHNOLOGY do you use often (every day, or 3-5 times/week)?

e.g., smart cell phone, computer, internet, iPod, television, printer, fax machine, GPS…

English in Cincinnati

26. Is it EASY or DIFFICULT for you to understand and use the English you hear in Cincinnati? Explain!

27. Is your language and culture shock in the U.S. a continuing difficulty, or finished?! Explain!

Public Speaking28. Are you afraid of public speaking (speaking in front of other people)? WHY?

Check your email!

29. How often do you check your email? (e.g., every day, 2-5 times/week, once a week, almost never, never)

Congratulations! You made it!I will use your answers to help design our Spring Term course and try to help you meet your short term language goals!

Attending ESL Class An Independent Language Learner

I attend English classes at a language program in my city because I want to improve my communication skills. English has become the international language around the world, and I might be able to get better employment and make more friends if I learn to speak fluently. I take four classes a day that all focus on different language skills including reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar.

Attending ESL Class An Independent Language Learner

I think that some people have a natural ability to pick up a language and master it, but I don't think I fit that group. Actually, learning to speak English well requires a great amount of effort, patience, and practice. Too often, students speak English in their classes, but they go back to using their native language after school ends. In fact, if you want to adjust to a new culture, you should make it a point to study, review, and practice everything you are studying. Otherwise, you will never learn and fit into any group.

Review & DiscussIn your group, discuss:

How many ESL classes does the speaker take every day? What five skills are included?

What are the speaker’s two goals for English language learning? Do you think they are short or long term goals? Why?

What are the three things required for learning to speak English well? Do you agree that there are only three? What is missing?

How does the speaker describe fitting into groups of language learners?

What is the speaker’s advice for adapting to a new culture? Do you agree with that advice?

IntonationWhat do the arrows show?

I think that some people have a natural

ability to pick up a language and master it,

but I don't think I fit that group.

Stress = Confidence?!Knowing where and when to emphasize the stressed (or important) words (and syl | la | bles inside the words) can give you confidence in speaking!

Add to show intonation and underline the stressed syllables in longer words.

Actually, learning to speak English well requires a great amount of

effort, patience, and practice. Too often, students speak English in

their classes, but they go back to using their native language after

school ends. In fact, if you want to adjust to a new culture, you

should make it a point to study, review, and practice everything you

are studying. Otherwise, you will never learn and fit into any group.

Independent Language Learning

Do you think you are an “independent language learner?” Why or why not? How do you try to improve your English outside of our ESL classroom? What activities do you practice?

Draw this table on paper, complete it, and give it to me before you leave!

What do I know about…?

What did I learn from this class about…?

What do I still want to learn about…?

Independent Language Learning

Intonation / Stress

Short Term vs. Long Term Goals

For Next Monday• Buy a new notebook to use for our ESL class, if you don’t have

a lot of paper left in your current journal!

• Review your notes from today’s class.

• Check your email for a copy of today’s PowerPoint Presentation (PPT).

• Think about how you can meet your short term language learning goals for this Spring Term class! What kinds of new independent language learning activities can you try?

Have a wonderful week and weekend!