TESOL: Materials and Course Design a Situation

TESOL: Materials and Course Design

A situation analysis, giving all details available before the course begins:

New comers of the TESOL school scheme will be assessed for their English language proficiency by the teachers assigned by TESOL (Teaching of English to speakers of other languages). Programming system will be run under this teacher - member of TESOL (Dorr, 2006).

This TOSEL teacher is assigned to assist and teach student in establishing sound understanding of English language, coping with the required skills and academic strategies to assist the process of gaining firm proficiency in English language as necessitated by the course design and classroom environment (Dorr, 2006).

Teacher assigned by TESOL is also a member of programming system as a support member, the team of which is designed to develop a close relation with students and collaboration with other related groups including programming team, parents, other teachers, administrative staff and counselors in developing required level for the student. TESOL teachers will be liable to work in programming framework assessing the student's individual issues and addressing these issues in form of progress report (Dorr, 2006).

The strategies implementing the programme include different levels of processes conducted in the classrooms with students comprising of direct communication, skill development, collaborative environment, helping each other out, identifying the problems and addressing them (Dorr, 2006).

Duties of teacher do not limit to systematic implementation of programming at a classroom level for students, but they reach to a collaboration network with the students, the other class room teachers and other administrative staff. Teacher will alongside provide all possible support to the student to cope up with the allotted course structure. As TESOL members, teachers can identify and interpret weaknesses of the students through individual attention to them to help them focus on weak areas, bringing error free communication, and motivation through acquisition of required linguistic expertise (Dorr, 2006).

Teachers are allowed to use communication techniques employing language of Benchmarks in the initial stages, according to citation in this document, to assist teachers set realistic targets for the students alongside constant progress report (Dorr, 2006).

It is required by each TESOL student to reach an adequate level according to designed course structure through building of linguistic strengths, which have (L1) English as their second language (Dorr, 2006).

Instructors of TESOL are present who examine the language proficiency of newcomers or if there is no instructor from TESOL is present then this duty of evaluation is performed by the instructor of language arts. Speaking and listening are the components which are used for verbal assessment and with these writing and reading skills are also evaluated. At the same stage the grammar and vocabulary of English is also evaluated (Dorr, 2006).

Assessing the TESOL leaner is the crucial initial step to generate knowledge about him. His background including culture, education and personality can be evaluated over here. Student can be instructed and TESOL service can start getting the information about the student through primary assessment. Parents and the instructor in classroom must be provided with the initial assessment results (Dorr, 2006).

Suitability of the TESOL services would be determined by the team which consists of TESOL instructor, parents, classroom instructor and administration. TESOL teacher can be very beneficial for the beginner who does not possess ample educational background and had a minimum of two years gap in language skills. Academic and literacy skills development would be focused by this instruction and support. Students who are referred as English Literacy Development (ELD) learners include students of TESOL who were lacking in L1 skills. School District maintains a TESOL list where name of the student must be included who eventually have decided to avail the services of TESOL instructor (Dorr, 2006).

Section 2: Aims and objectives for your course:

Targeted Students: TESOL students who are beginners (Hamayan et al., 2007)

In case pre-requisite are required: Interlochen Faculty Placement Number of times course, Placement Exam of TESOL could be opted

Each semester credit: 2.0

Seating priority: zero

Time available for meeting: weekly tutorial, including daily

Description: By involving students into the activities like listening, speaking, writing and reading, students have been given an introduction to the fundamentals of English language. In order to enhance the reading skills, reading skills are learned by the students. They write short essays, customary paragraphs and complete statements and oral comprehension is developed in them. Making minimum amount of mistakes, principles of punctuation and grammar are practiced by them. Mainstream learners follow approach of written and oral language skills. Parts of speech are also learned by the students (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Objectives:

* Learning how to compose apparent paragraphs and statements.

* Improving the pronunciation

*Formulating strategies for improving reading

*Enhancing the academic reading skills (Hamayan et al., 2007)

Performance of Students:

* Having Role-plays

* Making presentation in front of class

* Expository text and literature reading

* Concentrating seriously on what others are speaking (Hamayan et al., 2007)

Assessment:

* Individual speaking evaluation

* Written and verbal tests

* Presenting in front of class

* Working in group (Hamayan et al., 2007)

Section 3: Explanation about primary objectives and aims.

The ones who have understanding towards process of language acquisition are considered as best TESOL instructors. The more knowledge regarding the ways of learning languages would help the instructor assist the students in a better way in learning language skills. In order to develop better understanding in students towards L2 skills, classroom instructors and TESOL instructors communicate with each other (Allington and Cunningham, 2007).

Learning of language is done individually, although some basic principles and conventional patterns are a part of development of English. Every learner has to undergo similar phases but the rate is different. Linguistic learning in the second (L2) follows similar rules and structures as they were in L1 by having successful communications. Guidance, conductive environment, ample time and sequenced practice are required by the leaner to have success in academics (Allington and Cunningham, 2007).

A variety of expertise and sub-expertise are required in order to get a command over a language. Learners should build up methodical abilities, tactics, sentence structure, vocabulary, pronunciationand pronunciation along with sociolinguistic abilities contained by the wide areas of verbal communication, listening, reading as well as inscription (Allington and Cunningham, 2007).

Infants normally and mostly pick up the talking language used every day, which is one of the two discrete forms languages that infants require. The other form is educational language skills, which a child gains by being educated at school, nursery, etc. In general, the language ability which is comparatively picked up in a lesser time is the social language; also known as BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills). On the other hand, the language skill that takes extensive time period is the Academic language which needs educational associations (Allington and Cunningham, 2007).

Section 4: An analysis of the course design prescribed for your situation

The TESOL Learning Plan

In order to focus on the requirements of a person, TESOL support is developed for it. Furthermore, eventually it is a service to aims towards incorporation (Cloud et al., 2009).

Till the time when the initial month of the student ends at the school, when the enrolment was made, an annual TESOL Learning Plan for every student is prepared by / the cooperation of TESOL tutor and classroom instructor. Classroom lodging, building language abilities through planning, timetable for TESOL support facilities along with results of TESOL individually. Further activities that will involve the child, like homework society plus buddy reading, should be incorporated in the plan (Cloud et al., 2009).

TESOL results for every student shall be given by the TESOL tutor on the basis of a language evaluation. Standards for TESOL Developmental Stages as well as the phases of language acquirement will be considered by tutors, moreover, they might discuss with classroom instructors and approved syllabus, mainly syllabus manuscripts for English lingo ability. The regions of major need might be put under special attention by TESOL tutors; inscription, listening and vocalizations will be considered by them. For every student, a clear statement plus revision all through the year of results must be made (Cloud et al., 2009).

Language Skills

Listening, verbal communication, interpretation and inscription are the four language abilities that TESOL support will aim on developing. TESOL instruction along with L2 development will incorporate visualizing and structures of presentation excluding inscription. Keeping in view the child's happiness as well as requirements, each ability should be built up in the background of significant communication plus activity (Cloud et al., 2009).

Developing an open language, listening to recognize uncomplicated English and a little know how regarding written English, is what is emphasized at the initial levels of L2 acquirement. Listening is followed by verbal communication. Prior to embark rigorously on interpretation and inscription courses, a student that is not knowledgeable in the L1 will have to build up a better base in verbal English. Though, at this level, contact with print along with building up of interpretation and inscription willingness skills is significant (Cloud et al., 2009).

When TESOL students are taught to interpret graphs, tables, websites, maps, diagrams as well as other visual representations, it shows that visual literacy has been developed. As students understand, think seriously, give out opinions and talk about images and items, it shows that viewing is incorporated into verbal communication and inscription actions. As the students look towards diagrams plus other graphics in line with a tactic for understanding language, developing vocabulary and gathering knowledge, viewing helps in understanding comprehension (Cloud et al., 2009).

TESOL instruction should incorporate representing in approaches besides writing. The instructor can get a chance to evaluate understanding and build up necessary verbal communication abilities and aid in developing comprehension abilities through representing, like, communicating meaning with the help of drama. Intended for representing and for linguistic advancement, art assignments which include working on directions, functioning collectively or cooperating with instructors plus peers can prove to be an effectual way. The transcripts that TESOL students interpret and hear can be represented and understood clearly with the utilization of graphic managers (Cloud et al., 2009).

Alternate types of corresponding can be used as an adjustment tool for those pupils who possess inadequate English writing skills; but it is only applicable for usual classrooms. In TESOL classrooms, it can be used as tool to build up language aptitudes (Cloud et al., 2009).

TESOL Classes

TESOL classrooms are multi-age, and designed to encourage acquisition of English language, particularly for those pupils who lacks in English language. It provides a platform to these pupils to enhance their English language proficiency in such a way that they could fill the gap between their limited language skills and normal standards (Linse, 2008).

The TESOL pupils are required to meet their language needs through participating in specific lessons, in a very contented and un-hazardous atmosphere; moreover, all the reading stuff on different genres is provided to them along with proper instructions (Linse, 2008).

The groups having pupils of different ages and levels are assisted in TESOL classes through personalized or distinguished directions in a group, and particular skills concentration; hence, it can be taken as an opportunity by the pupils to get full involved in language learning atmosphere. According to Samway (2010), TESOL classes furnish the required break to the pupils from the atmosphere where it becomes tough for them to learn language skills (Linse, 2008).

TESOL classes should be designed in such a way that it should not create any hurdle in the normal schooling, and studying other courses, like mathematics; moreover, it should not create any prevention the learning of other classes such as music, art, physical education, etc., in fact, it should appreciate pupils' inclusion in those classes, so that they can interact with their peers and can apply their learned language skills; in order to make it happen, the TOSEL teachers would make such a schedule which would be 40% of the school day (Linse, 2008).

The reduction or discontinuation of TESOL instruction should take place after the consultation of the TESOL teacher with the classroom. For instance, the instruction from the TESOL teacher is not required for student of grade 3-4, and the necessity of the language of student can be fulfilled in the grade level classroom. Observation, formal and informal assessment, and teacher consultation are used to observe a student, who is stays on the TESOL list, continuously (Linse, 2008).

In order to develop advance language learning strategies and to conquer provincially prearranged outcomes, an advance learner should get TESOL instruction that is concentrated on precise and assessed requirements linked with those outcomes. For instance, reading comprehension, clarity in writing, vocabulary or grammar building techniques may be individually concentrated in TESOL intercession, having a restricted time period. At the beginning, the outcomes for the intercession should be declared. Prearranged program should be used to obtain the topics, skills development and resources in the TESOL instruction of advanced students (Linse, 2008).

The periodic appraisal or observation and consultation with kindergarten teacher would be the sources for examining the progress of a kindergarten child present in the list of TESOL. A TESOL learning plan for child will be proposed by the association of the TESOL and classroom teachers. The team may choose to place the name of the child on the list of TESOL after he gets into grade one, as five years is the top most period of TESOL support. Till the end of grade 5 the child will be permitted to obtain support, by which time benefit for lifetime learning would be achieved by the student from planned instruction (Linse, 2008).

Section 5: A critical evaluation of the course as applied to your situation.

There are strategies which the student needs to be educated clearly in order to skilled learners and they need to create good approaches for language learning in order to utilize them autonomously during their school careers (Hamayan et al., 2007).

There is a gap in the vocabulary accomplishment and reading knowledge amid the second language learners and their local speaking peers that exists in grade 6 and further than, which starts when the target language from kindergarten is introduced to the TESOL learners, as revealed through research (Geva, 2006, Roessingh, 2006, Kieffer, 2008). Thus, sustained classes for TESOL instruction wassustained classes for TESOL instruction were not proved to be the solution to counter this gap; though it can be predicted that presence in TESOL classes in the future can become counterproductive to addition. Hence, vocabulary building techniques is one of the language learning techniquetechniques that TESOL instruction concentrates on, which can be useful for TESOL student in future studies (Hamayan et al., 2007).

An early primary child entering English school system may be added by mid primary. But sometimes, due to the increment in academic language and expectations, the local English speaking peers of the TESOL students will conquer them. Thus, when child is grown-up to the standard that they can obtain advantage from it, they should be observed continuously and additional training in language learning skills, together with vocabulary building strategies, should be given, occurrence of which should take place in elementary grades (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Approaches to TESOL Instruction: Communicative Language Teaching

A general philosophical course surrounding a range of methods is known as approach. The switch of concentration on communication from concentration on form has taken place in teaching of second languages in the last 50 years and language achievement is well understood nowadays. It can be said that the main aim learning any language is to communicate and significant communication is the best learning source of language instead of saying that writing conventions, grammar and sentence structure are overlooked. Form should be looked in the framework of effective communication and matched to needs of individual students, although they develop slowly and need particular notice (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Language was looked as a tool for conveying meaning instead of interconnecting sets of lexical, phonological and grammatical rules by the linguists during the 1970s. Fluency is more focused than accuracy and meaning than form, in communicative language education. The classes being based on learners, the teachings are related to communicative requirements of the students (Hamayan et al., 2007).

The Natural Approach

Whatever the language is, people have the capability to learn it naturally, as identified. A chief influence is created by the Natural Approach, which was initiated in 1970s by Krashen and Terrell, nowadays as English language. It is assumed that effective communication will automatically develop language. Thus least amount of stress and nervousness should be kept. Production is normally after comprehension in natural approach classroom (Hamayan et al., 2007).

These are the five beliefs on which the Natural Approach is based:

• The acquisition/learning theory: Language learning (finding out rules about a language or knowingly learning) and language acquisition (an unconscious process created with the use of language significantly) are quite dissimilar and skill in a second language can only take place with language acquisition (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Monitor theory: Monitor theory is that type of hypothesis that involves conscious learning which works just like a monitor or an editor. Its main task is to test the received output (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Natural order theory: Natural order theory is another type in which data is received in grammatical structure as predicted. It also works in another way so that the counter order can be learnt too (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Input theory: Input theory (i+1) allows people to learn that language that is not involved in their daily conversation i.e. It is more than their current competence (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Affective filter hypothesis allows the learner to interpret his/her emotional level in the form of a filter which blocks that input which is important to be stopped from taking place (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Two of the main categories of natural approach are Task based and Project-based learning. Language is the vital need of every human being. It is this need which motivates them to learn it through communicating in every possible way. It is through expressions and the meaning of each word that takes higher priorities and hence the natural language is developed. Students are assigned various projects and tasks like reading, writing, listening and speaking. It develops linguistic and literacy skills in them. The main goal of such activities is to reinforce the meanings of the words being spoken or used in language. This is a gradual procedure in which students learn the skills through a series of various grammatical mistakes. Once they have learnt it, they are ready to learn further, practice them daily and make corrections themselves. Similarly, the task-based strategy allows the students to perform problem solving or draw conclusions. It produces analytical skills in them (Hamayan et al., 2007).

The best possible way to learn language is through communication that has proper valid meanings. Hence, the perfect way to teach language to school going children is through useful language activities which give birth to the content knowledge. This strategy is applied by the French Immersion programs. Students must know the following things in order to learn advance literature and disciplines (Schleppegrell, Achugar and Oteiza, 2004, p. 68):

Understand how language creates different meanings in content-area textbooks.

Understand how language covers the important concepts and meanings of school subjects.

Language can be developed naturally through Content Based Instruction (CBI). CBI works in TESOL classroom in such a manner that it teaches interesting topics to the students. The main motive behind this is to let the students know the required language skills for several themes and topics. CBI let the students to involve in various tasks, projects and activities led by either teachers or even students. It helps the TESOL and ELD students to prepare themselves for content areas. It supports them in developing required skills and upgrading their knowledge. The main purpose of the content based thematic approach is to upgrade the vocabulary of the students. It helps them to practice by using language in texts and thus make various forms based on a main title or idea in mind (Hamayan et al., 2007).

TESOL context includes CBI as an important tool for optimizing the child's ability of both language and context. It also provides following opportunities:

1. TESOL classroom provides the student with necessary content texts that are up to the level and mental capability of the student, so that they can well learn the language.

2. TESOL targeted instructions works mainly on content, specially vocabulary, sentence structures and main features of the text. It aids the students in understanding their proper use in various fields or applications.

3. In the context of CBI, TESOL teachers design and arrange various lessons in order to develop the L2 learning techniques.

Instructions that are based on content must be designed according to the themes that are in accordance to the provincially prescribed curriculum. Due to this strategy, TESOL instruction is designed according to the data which moves toward the daily-based grade level data and this continues as the student learns to upgrade his/her skills more efficiently. It is continued till the students can make use of their own grade level classroom texts. A most general and reliable text conducted for the students is Grade level required reading. Students are encouraged to take an active part in TESOL classroom in figuring out the connection between TESOL instruction and classroom success. This results in more success in academic field which in turn makes the student more confident and engaged towards it (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Section 6: A discussion of how you will implement and adapt the course design

A story has always had a strong hold on the attention of students since it attracts them a lot, in turn enriching them with vast knowledge. Within the past few decades, children's literature has made huge advancement. Many high quality extensive and elaborative books have been published. TESOL teachers consider them as a priceless entity. The books including pictures and graphics always had a strong impact as they increase the natural language learning skills, which in turn shows another world of language and information related to the culture. Furthermore, stories also add up to the content themes (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Picture books designed for the students have following attractions and advantages:

Positive activities

Guided reading

Shared reading

Independent reading for advanced TESOL students

Picture books that represent diverse cultures are discussed in grade level classrooms. They represent (Hamayan et al., 2007):

Enhance cross cultural sensitivity

Show knowledge of other cultures

Acceptance of the TESOL student among classmates

Children's literature provides the students with a huge collection of skills and knowledge. The beginners are encouraged to work using simple general vocabulary and simple structured sentences, while the advanced ones work using colloquialisms and complicated sentence structures. When children are judged on the base of literature, then they look like a springboard which progresses ahead in the field of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Such textbooks provides with various opportunities to make the students practice loud reading and other activities which lays the basis for developing language orally and in written form too. The pattern books provides following (Hamayan et al., 2007):

Language in the context

Tools for developing listening, reading, speaking, along with writing skills

Vocabulary as used in daily life like days of the week, names of the colours, food names and numbers etc.

Provides facilities that develop concepts of printing

A strategy for reading

Repetitive and predictable text, recycling language patterns and vocabulary

Sentence structured simply

Teaches to develop general questionnaires

How to do patterned writing

Countless activities ahead

Enjoyment that sticks you to the TESOL classes

The high level graphical books provide advancement in general and upgraded skills. Illustrative story books provide the following:

Engage students through natural experiences like explaining the pictures and reading them aloud would even attract them o multi-level and multi-age groups are also attracted toward them o complete theme o language that enhances the vocabulary o simpler language then the one used in textbooks

short stories that could be understood in lesser time o Allows teachers to explain the written text in relatively simple words by using various actions, expressions and intonations. This helps a lot in engaging the students to the story by reading it aloud.

Graphical illustrations that support written material

Allows to build comprehension skill and strategies o Build the cultural knowledge either Western or others o Know how of context vocabulary o Opportunities for developing writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills o Develop interest in reading books o Shows Multicultural themes that students can depict easily o Text that offers open discussion or debates which allow the student to express their point-of-views more elaborately o Develop skills to understand and analyse the English literature which is a challenging area for TESOL students (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Let the teachers teach literacy terms like character, setting, conflict, etc. o Allow the teachers to teach figures in words and other cultural metaphors o Provides links to content studies o Visual art that can be studied as well as admired o A springboard for creative writing activities o Let the students enjoy

Language skills can be developed well through a major activity of Interactive Read Aloud. Any story can be made enjoyable if it explored deeply by using strong comprehension skills. Whole of the story telling time should be employed in reading it aloud and engaging in other positive activities (Hamayan et al., 2007).

When a book is selected by the teacher, it should be fully prepared before it is read aloud. In this regard, following steps must be taken:

Read the book more than once

Must consider multiple results of the story

Select words to be included in vocabulary

Consider interactive comprehension questions

Consider above point to support the result as depicted by you

In order to support the results, engage in some activities

Pre-reading activities include introduction to the book and highlighting the segments which would add up to the written material. They also develop the interest and make the reader curious about that book. Some of these activities are explained as follows:

Focus on the main cover picture and try to depict story from it

Try to preview the story only from the drawn pictures

Read author and illustrator names

Read the inside flaps and author info

Highlight the key words that might add up to the vocabulary.

Help the students to find out their meanings. This mean of discovering yourself is far better than just teaching

List down the extra words that can be discovered later

Reading comprehension can be supported well by the Interactive read aloud. It provides means to teach and represent the processes for reading texts.

Read aloud is supported for the following reasons:

It helps to engage the students. As an example, suppose the students are asked to predict themselves. They can simply be asked in the initial stage to find a word that well defines the theme of the story. Such questions keep the students engaged and give a surety that they are lost in the story and they are giving their complete attention to it (Hamayan et al., 2007).

It also aid in checking and extending the comprehension. Each child is asked different question according to his ability. To ask a group of students, a debating question is asked to get their opinion. Several answers are taken without the need of having a correct one (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Communication is necessary so one can be taught how to learn and read. This can be explained like a student can be asked to see the picture related to the story they are reading or any word they cannot understand. They are also told the importance of punctuations and how one should pause there. They are taught how to find answers inside the reading. This is all done by telling them to read loudly as that allows is to not only teach them but also show and make them learn (Hamayan et al., 2007).

The importance of the spoken word and how to speak effective words is also taught. Words that are used more commonly are taught to the students and the students have to repeat the words in order to remember them. When reading a story the teacher pays special attention to any words that are of importance in that story. Also words that can help one identify the meaning by just reading or tell its suffixes and prefixes are focused upon (Hamayan et al., 2007).

The design of the story is explained to the students. This is done by pausing as crucial places in a story where different ways like conflicts and themes have been used by writer to create the story. The students are told to focus on the problem in the story and share how they believe it will be solved. Experienced students are taught the different terms that are used in writing like a simile or foreshadowing (Hamayan et al., 2007).

When the text of a story is being read aloud the teacher keeps in mind that the students should be interactive and discuss the story but it should not distract them from the story itself. This is done by remembering the very need of why the text should be read aloud (Hamayan et al., 2007).

TESOL students can be taught with using the following techniques:

In case of complex words, alternative vocabulary can be used for example using common word 'threw' in place of 'hurled'.

While speaking a sentence, repeat is with aan easier wording, easing the complexity of used words.

In class interaction should be expressive and full of gestures.

These activities are employed to strengthen basics and achieved goals into much solid grip. These activities however differ from case to case depending on what an individual has grasped. It is very helpful to practice book reading before stepping into the main drill. It is advisable for a teacher to commence the main drill with practice of book reading - it has following advantages (Hamayan et al., 2007):

Builds comprehensions skills

Familiarizes with complex vocabulary

Enhances listening skills

Develops understanding of language structure

Increases ability to cater follow-up

Grouping and coupling of students in the follow-up activities can be a promising step for interaction and communication under supervision of instructor for programming. Some of the follow-up activities are suggested below (Hamayan et al., 2007):

Repeating instructions in oral and written activities.

Writings stories of personal experiences.

Documenting a description of an occurrence

Develop questionnaires for partners

Taking opinions and communicating interactively

Forming structure of linking words

Labeling general pictures etc.

Documenting and discussing art work and pictures

Adding vocabulary by finding new interesting words and using them

Writing a dialogue

Responding to different questions in class

Using newly acquired vocabulary into practical writing and speaking

Using games like puzzles, passwords to enhance vocabulary and its use

Build exercises based on opinions obtained depending upon the interests

Learning to use adjectives

Using techniques to develop understanding portraits of characters

Poem writing

It can be useful if the teacher allows the student to keep the flow of the activity by employing their interests and ideas into that activity. It is the matter of using the right strategy at the right time (Hamayan et al., 2007).

Section 7: Annotated Bibliography

To practice the educational system under ACCESS for ELLs® K12 is child program. Finish Line for ELLs: English Proficiency Practice is an official stem of WIDA PRIME. This correlation can be viewed at WIDA website (Gordon, 2011).