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Welcome to Core 4 Spring 2019!. Professor Lori Rottenberg. Email lrottenb@gmu.edu Education Teaching experience Before teaching International experience Hobbies Family. Introductions. Your name Where you’re from How long have you studied English
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Professor Lori Rottenberg Email lrottenb@gmu.edu Education Teaching experience Before teaching International experience Hobbies Family
Introductions Your name Where you’re from How long have you studied English What do you want to do after your English studies? What are your biggest concerns about studying in college in the U.S.? What do you want to get out of this course?
Goals of the Class Build fluency in writing Build fluency in reading Build critical thinking
Critical Thinking Cornerstone of American education Based on questioning and independence of thought rather than memorization and reliance on authority Based on being able to SUPPORT your positions and ideas Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OLPL5p0fMg
Discussion Talk about the video. Can you put “critical thinking” into your own words? Think about your education until now. Do you think you have been asked to think critically? If so, how? If not, does this idea scare you or excite you?
Syllabus • Course Description • Course Objectives • Course Textbooks and Online Materials • Course Requirements • Grading • Important Dates • Online Resources • Course Expectations • Honor Code, Advising, Tutoring, and Disabilities
Course Requirements • Daily in-class exercises (½ G, ½ R/W) • Online homework (GAB, WSI, and Great Writing) • Weekly open topic journals (20 sentences=100%) • Weekly extended-reading assignments • Essays • Grammar and vocabulary tests • Finals: • Final book project • Common final exams
Why This Level Is Crucial • Many of you apply to: • Pathways Programs • Direct admission to GMU or other universities • One of your last chances to perfect your English skills before entering academia!
Remember… • You must get at least an 80% to pass this class! • You are “auditioning” for a recommendation starting on Day 1!
How to Do Well in This Class • Come to class, on time and ready to work. • Pay attention in class, ask questions, and contribute to class discussions and small groups. • Do all your homework—yourself and on time! • Work carefully on written assignments. • Spend time outside of class reading and writing in English EVERY DAY.
Why Students Fail • 80% Studentship-20% Language • Failure to come to class or come on time • Unfocused and disorganized in class • Failure to get or bring textbooks/materials • Failure to turn in journals and essays • Failure to do online homework • Plagiarism • Failure to read novel—or anything else!
If You Start to Have Trouble… Come speak to me as soon as possible! Ask if you don’t understand something! Do not wait! Do not be embarassed! Do not let undone assignments pile up! Remember: The ONLY “dumb question” is the one you DON’T ask!
Ways to Get Help • Request tutoring from the LRC • Ask to meet with me • Participate in every extra opportunity to speak or listen to English that you can! • LRC Workshops • English Corner • Conversation Partners • Destination Mason activities • Read in English as much as you can!
I shine the flashlight to guide your way, but only YOU can walk the path. My Model for Learning… No! Yes!
Transformation • We want to do more than improve your English! • Take advantage of your unique opportunities!
Homework • Buy textbooks: • Grammar and Beyond 3 with online bundle • Great Writing 4 with online access • Active Reading 3 • The Giver—First assignment due 2/8/19! • Read syllabus in detail. • Complete the “Tell Me About Yourself” sheet. • Journals (at least 20 sentences): Due Friday. Open topic.
