Learning English through Integrated Skills

		Integrated Skills At English Studies Institute In Berkeley, California

INTEGRATED SKILLS

COURSE AIM

The Integrated Skills course is designed for students who want to develop their skills in grammar, writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Students develop in-depth language skills, learn critical thinking skills, and prepare for further academic studies.

COURSE FOCUS

ESI follows the communicative approach to language instruction and is always geared to the needs of students. We view learning as an interactive process (cooperative learning) and we encourage the implementation of classroom activities that promote success in language acquisition while maintaining student well-being, enthusiasm for learning, and opportunities for critical thinking.

Classroom activities include:

Fluency development such as controlled practice, role-plays, model conversations, presentations, debate and discussion

Instruction in grammar and correct usage with error analysis exercises and grammar games

Focus on student pronunciation, intonation, and listening comprehension in both informal conversation and more formal academic speech using audio tapes, videos, pronunciation drills, short presentations.

Facilitating student awareness of culture through readings, cross-cultural contact assignments, and observation reports

Effective reading techniques and strategies through reading practice/comprehension and vocabulary exercises

Writing styles appropriate to academic or scholarly writing using in-class writing of short paragraphs or longer essays, peer editing and group discussion of common errors.

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE CONTENT

All students take a Structure of English class and an Oral Communication Skills class. Each of these classes meets 6 hours per week, Mondays to Thursdays.

In the Structure of English class, students study English grammar and practice it in both speaking and writing. A variety of activities allow students to improve their knowledge and use of increasingly complex grammar structures. Writing skills are taught, from basic sentence structures in the lower levels to more complex writing in the advanced levels.

The Oral Communication Skills class focuses on listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills. Students increase their vocabulary, including idioms, by reading and speaking about American culture and the cultures of other countries. Activities such as small group discussions, oral presentations, and videotapes increase the studentsʼ fluency in English.

In addition to the Structure of English and Oral Communication Skills classes, each student takes two afternoon classes. These concentrate on a single skill or area of interest, allowing students to work on individual weaknesses or study a subject of particular interest. Each class meets four hours per week, on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays.
LISTENING & PRONUNCIATION SKILLS
This class helps students improve their listening skills through the use of a variety of audio CDs and DVDs. Students also improve their pronunciation skills by learning the English sound system, including stress and intonation patterns. Class activities include dialogue practice, role-playing, songs, discussion, viewing films and student presentations. Students also attend two lectures during a four week course.

Reading and Writing Development: In this class students work on vocabulary building, writing skills, and reading comprehension. They are exposed to a variety of readings that may include literature, popular culture, and poetry. Students work on skimming, scanning, paraphrasing/summarizing skills, and participate in lively discussions.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Two lectures durinng one four-week course of study are a required part of the program.. Lectures are on a variety of topics are given by professionals from the University of California and other experts in their fields.

Optional TOEFL practice sessions are offered one day a week at 3:30pm for students wanting extra practice on the Test of English as a Foreign Language.

Optional Video of the Week is shown at 3:30pm on Thursdays for students who want extra listening comprehension practice or end-of-the-week entertainment.

LEARNING CAROUSEL

From the Learning Center carousel outside the ESI office, students can check out books, video tapes and DVDs to help with listening, reading, grammar, conversation, and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) preparation. Computers with internet for e-mail are available on the 2nd floor.

CLASSROOM STYLE

At ESI, we believe that you will learn English if you are actively engaged in communicating in English. For this reason, we encourage classroom activities such as small group work, pair work, speeches, games and role plays -- all with the purpose of getting you to relax and speak freely. We try to establish a friendly atmosphere in our classes so that you will feel comfortable speaking with your classmates. We agree with research which has shown that students learn a language better when they are confident, relaxed and actively participating.

LEVELS
Beginning to advanced

CLASS SIZE
Average of 15 students

CLASS HOURS
20 class hours per week.

Course Dates and Fees

20 hours of evaluated instruction per week for 4 weeks. ($1395)

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