Welcome Welcome to to

Level 7 OCS Level 7 OCS Fall 2015!Fall 2015!

Professor Lori RottenbergProfessor Lori Rottenberg B.A. Creative WritingB.A. Creative Writing M.A. Linguistics and Teaching ESLM.A. Linguistics and Teaching ESL Taught ESL at VT and GMUTaught ESL at VT and GMU 20 years as professional writer and 20 years as professional writer and

editor, continue to publish poetryeditor, continue to publish poetry Visiting poet for Arlington Public Schools Visiting poet for Arlington Public Schools

since 2007since 2007 Acting and singing experience in paid Acting and singing experience in paid

and community theater productionsand community theater productions

IntroductionsIntroductions Your nameYour name How long have you studied English in the How long have you studied English in the

U.S.?U.S.? How long did you study English before that?How long did you study English before that? What do you want to do after your English What do you want to do after your English

studies?studies? Have you ever had any public speaking Have you ever had any public speaking

experience?experience? What do you find challenging about speaking What do you find challenging about speaking

and listening to English?and listening to English?

Goals of the ClassGoals of the Class

Build academic listening and note-taking Build academic listening and note-taking skillsskills

Build academic speaking and presentation Build academic speaking and presentation skillsskills

Improve academic vocabulary and grammarImprove academic vocabulary and grammar Build advanced pronunciation skillsBuild advanced pronunciation skills

Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking

Cornerstone of American education Based on questioning and

independence of thought rather than memorization and reliance on authority

Based on being able to SUPPORT your positions and ideas

Video: http://philosophy.hku.hk/think/critical/ct.php

This is what you’re up This is what you’re up against…against…

http://www.ted.com/talks/al_gore_warns_on_latest_climate_trends.html

SyllabusSyllabus Course DescriptionCourse Description Course ObjectivesCourse Objectives Course Textbooks and Online Course Textbooks and Online

Materials Materials Course RequirementsCourse Requirements Grading Grading Important DatesImportant Dates Course ExpectationsCourse Expectations Honor Code and DisabilitiesHonor Code and Disabilities

Course RequirementsCourse Requirements

Daily in-class exercisesDaily in-class exercises Weekly listening logsWeekly listening logs Weekly online homeworkWeekly online homework QuizzesQuizzes Oral presentations (6 plus 1 SLD)Oral presentations (6 plus 1 SLD) Final examFinal exam

Why This Level Is CrucialWhy This Level Is Crucial

Many of you apply to: Many of you apply to: Pathways ProgramsPathways Programs Direct admission to Direct admission to

GMU or other GMU or other universitiesuniversities

One of your last One of your last chances to perfect chances to perfect your English skills your English skills before entering before entering academia! academia!

Remember…Remember…

You must get at You must get at least an 80% to least an 80% to pass this class!pass this class!

You are You are “auditioning” for “auditioning” for a a recommendation recommendation starting on Day starting on Day 1!1!

How to Do Well in This ClassHow to Do Well in This Class Come to class, on time and ready to Come to class, on time and ready to

work.work. Pay attention in class, ask questions, Pay attention in class, ask questions,

and contribute to class discussions and and contribute to class discussions and small groups.small groups.

Do all your homework—yourself!Do all your homework—yourself! Prepare oral presentations in advance Prepare oral presentations in advance

and spend lots of time practicing.and spend lots of time practicing. Spend time outside of class listening to Spend time outside of class listening to

and speaking English.and speaking English.

How to Do Poorly in This How to Do Poorly in This ClassClass

Skip class or come late.Skip class or come late. Check your phone and text during Check your phone and text during

class.class. Do presentations at the last minute.Do presentations at the last minute. Blow off on-line homework.Blow off on-line homework. Goof around during small-group work.Goof around during small-group work. Speak and listen to stuff only in your Speak and listen to stuff only in your

native language outside class—native language outside class—expect class to do it all for you.expect class to do it all for you.

I shine the flashlight to guide your I shine the flashlight to guide your way, but only YOU can walk the path.way, but only YOU can walk the path.

My Model for Learning…My Model for Learning…

No!No! Yes!Yes!

Human Treasure HuntHuman Treasure Hunt

HomeworkHomework Buy Buy Q Skills for Success 5—Listening Q Skills for Success 5—Listening

and Speakingand Speaking, with online component. , with online component. (Make sure it’s the new second (Make sure it’s the new second edition!)edition!)

Set up online Q account.Set up online Q account. Start to work on first listening log.Start to work on first listening log.

I’m looking forward to a great I’m looking forward to a great semester!semester!