ED 548: Second language and ESOL Strategies (3 credits)

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

This graduate-level course is designed assist practicing teachers in development and practice or research-based strategies for meeting the needs of second language learners in the mainstream classroom. Effective methods of teaching both English language and regular curriculum will be the main focus of the course, with a special emphasis on learning to read, write, and speak English in mainstream classroom.

PREREQUISITES

There are no required prerequisites for this course. However, learners are assumed to be teachers with access to elementary and/or secondary ESOL students.

COURSE
STRUCTURE

ED 548: Second Language Acquisition and ESOL Strategies (3) is an online course delivered through Blackboard in a one term, 10 week format. Students enter into discussion boards each week based on textbook reading and prompts. Open book midterm and final exams are emailed to the instructor. Students apply their knowledge by preparing lesson plans incorporating the SIOP model.

STANDARDS

1.1	Demonstrate knowledge of psychological, sociological, and linguistic foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction.
1.3	Demonstrate knowledge of language development and reading acquisition and the variations related to cultural and linguistic diversity.
2.2	Use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches and methods, including technology-based practices, for learners at different stages of development and from differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
2.3	Use a wide range of curriculum materials in effective reading instruction for learners at different stages of reading and writing development and from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
3.3	Use assessment information to plan, evaluate, and revise effective instruction that meets the needs of all students, including those at different developmental stages and those from differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
5.2	Continue to pursue the development of professional knowledge and dispositions.

PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS

With an ESOL student, you'll plan for, design and undertake an assessment of the student's reading strategy abilities or oral language abilities in English. Learners will also develop research-based instruction and assessment strategies for ELL students and learn how to adapt teaching methods across the curriculum to meet the needs of this target audience.

CORE/ELECTIVE

This graduate course can be used as 3 core credits in the Literacy for Diverse Learners thematic area in the 24-credit Reading Endorsement program, the 12-credit Literary Education program, or for individual professional development. Please consult an advisor at your home institution about adding this course to your program.

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Lee Ann McNerney, Assistant Professor of Bilingual Education and ESOL, College of Education, Eastern Oregon University. 13 years experience in ESL instruction and program administration at middle school, high school, and community college level; fluent in Spanish. (BA, Portland State University; MA, Columbia University; Ph.D., Georgetown University)

TARGET
AUDIENCE

Teachers wishing to improve their abilities to effectively teach English language learners in the mainstream classroom.

TIME
COMMITMENT

Students should expect to spend 9 hours per week for 10 weeks in course-related activities. (e.g., reading the text and course materials, posting to discussion forums, completing written reports/papers and classroom-based assignments). This course is online and does not require in-person attendance. Assignments are completed on the learner's time schedule and are due as posted.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbook(s) are required for this course. You will find the textbook listed in the syllabus that is posted online at the EOU website or you may contact the instructor. For most classes, the EOU Bookstore will be a source for the textbook.

COST

No course in the ReadOregon curriculum will cost more than $300 per credit, including all fees.

TECHNICAL
REQUIREMENTS

This online course requires access to the Internet with Word/WordPerfect for written assignments. Recommended minimum computer configuration is:

PC running Windows 95 or newer
Macintosh Quadra 700 or better or Power PC
Modem 28.8 or faster, or other network connection
Sound card and speakers (optional)
32 Megabytes or greater of system RAM
Adequate hard disk drive

CONTACT(S)

For more details on this course, please contact Dr. Lee Ann McNerney at Eastern Oregon University.