This Semester we are fortunate to have an Online Intermediate Reading and Writing class. Intermediate Reading and Writing has been previously taught only face-to-face. This course is part of the Certificate in ESOL lll programme currently run by the School of English at Manukau Institute of Technology. The course is designed to cater for NESB (Non-English Speaking Background) students who are house-bound or unable to attend classes for one reason or another.
The course uses a Mastery/Achievement system of assessment. Several Achievements that are assessed formally have a grammar component. Students need to demonstrate a specific level of competence in grammar usage in their formal writing.
Although there is a set system of Achievements that have to be passed, the exact content of the course is flexible. The course is largely topic-based. Every two weeks students start work on a new topic. Students cover five main components each week. These are:
- reading on topic
- comprehension activity on topic
- journal writing
- vocabulary
- grammar
The course has been progressing reasonably well, with some students completing all work to a very pleasing standard, while others have found family commitments, work commitments, and poor time management have prevented them from working to capacity online. I believe that all class members need to maximize their opportunities to practise their developing English skills. For this reason our class has arrived in the world of blogging. Hopefully over the next week or two, class members will take the opportunity of setting up their own blogs, as well as keeping track of this blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment