Green River Community College
English as a Second Language Program
ESL Student Learning Activities - Syllabus for ESL 059 
Grammar For ESL Students

Course Information
Green River Community College

ESL 059 – Grammar for English as a Second Language Students
Quarter/Section:     Spring, 2000  
Credits:               5 credits
Days/ Time/Room:    RLC 119, M, T, W, Th 8:00 – 8:50 a.m.
Instructor:               John Avery     
Office Hours:           1:00 – 1:50 Daily in RLC 104
Phone:                       (253) 833 – 9111 extension 4516
Email:                        javery@greenriver.edu
Website:                   http://www.instruction.greenriver.edu/avery

The purpose of the course: This class helps English as a Second Language students to understand and use English for a variety of purposes from informal discussion to more formal speech and writing.  Students will study grammatical forms of written and spoken English as well as some elements of writing, such as punctuation and capitalization.  Students should take this course if they enjoy learning a language by studying and using the rules of the language
Required Materials: You will need paper and a pen or pencil.  You will need a three-ring binder for handouts from your teacher. The class textbook is ­The New Grammar in Action by Barbara Foley and Elizabeth Neblett. It is published by Heinle & Heinle, 1998. It is available in the bookstore if you want to buy it together with the tape. Otherwise, the teacher will also give out books for use in class.
Instructional Methods: The teacher will explain information on English grammar every day in class. You will work on your own, with partners, and in small and large groups to meet the objectives of the class. We will also use  tapes, videos, computers and software to help you learn grammar. You will learn and practice the use of English grammar for listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Course Outcomes: (What you should be able to do at the end of the class):
Upon completion, you will have a better understanding of the basic structures of the English language which are needed for using English for listening, speaking, reading, and writing with some ability and accuracy. 
As a student, you will ….

• will recognize and make use of the following essential elements of English grammar:

o       simple verb constructions

o       the basic parts of speech

o       sentence types

o       punctuation necessary for writing simple paragraphs

o       the pronoun system

o       adverbs of frequency

o       some of the mechanics of writing. 

• will demonstrate appropriate usage of English in given contexts.

• will use critical thinking skills to analyze the appropriateness of using formal and informal English for different contexts.

 Campus- Wide Learning Outcomes
All students at Green River Community College will practice responsibility, written communication, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning in their classes.  In this class, we will develop responsibility and written communication. 
Responsibility – The student will ….
·        demonstrate a knowledge of and a willingness to accept stated/agreed upon expectations, policies, and procedures.

·        meet obligations necessary to complete individual and/or group tasks.

·        demonstrate common courtesies, and be respectful of the needs, difficulties, and rights of others.

Written Communication – The student will …..

·        learn to value clear written communication.

·        gain confidence in their written communication.

·        improve their ability to evaluate, edit, proofread, and revise their own work as well as the writing of others.

·        demonstrate attention to mechanics, grammar, and usage appropriate for the class, assignment, and occasion.

Attendance and Grades: You should be here for every class session. Learning grammar is like building a house, you have to start from the ground and build up. If you miss a day, you will need to be responsible for catching up. I will keep attendance every day. When you complete all the competencies, you will pass the class. You can earn a grade of “P” when you pass all the competencies. You may earn a grade of “S” or “Satisfactory” if you are doing well in the class, but have not completed every goal by the end of the class.  
General Information: This is a class for adult ESL students who are legal residents of the United States.  International students must enroll in the IESL program.  All students are expected to work together to learn English.  I encourage you to learn and help each other, but you must know how to use grammar by yourself if you are going to earn a pass for this class and successfully be able to use  English in your life. I expect you to complete homework, quizzes, and exams by yourself.
For Students with Disabilities or Special Physical Problems: If you need special materials or if you need to sit in a certain seat because you have a problem seeing and hearing, please let me know. If you need help to leave the building during a fire or emergency, please let me know.