The old test had specific sentences that students could memorize.  Frankly,
this was extremely useful for students with learning disabilities because
USCIS offers no waivers for this population without medical proof.  The new
test provides vocabulary that can be formulated into sentences.  Therefore,
when the applicant goes in for the interview he/she has no idea what the
sentences will be.  Provide lots of writing practice using the USCIS
vocabulary.

One suggestion made by someone on  a list similar to  this was to give each
student a mock interview.  At first,  I wasn't inclined to do this, but now
I hold an interview with each individual at the end of the series of
classes.  The benefits are that it gives applicants an idea of their
strengths and weaknesses and builds their confidence.
SB

On Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 11:31 AM, Martin Senger <MSenger at gecac.org> wrote:


>  Pax et bonum! (peace & goodness)

>

>

>

> I am a civics teacher, and one of my jobs is to prepare my students to take

> the Naturalization test. As many of you know, the USCIS is in the process of

> updating the test. It is gradually replacing the old test this year.

>

>

>

> I have tons of teaching material (and anecdotal evidence from students) on

> the old test, but I want to prepare myself to teach for the new test. I have

> received some teaching materials from the USCIS, but unfortunately, I

> haven't had many students take the new one, so I don't know what my STUDENTS

> have found difficult or surprising. Have any of you gotten feed-back from

> your students on the new test? Would you have any suggestions on what to

> focus on when preparing my students? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

> Thanx!

>

>

>

>

>

> Martin E. Senger

>

> *Adult ESL / Civics Teacher,*

>

> G.E.C.A.C. / The R. Benjamin Wiley Learning Center

>

> Erie, Pa.

>

> *Co-Director,***

>

> ESL Special Interest Group

>

> Pa. Assoc. for Adult Continuing Education (PAACE)

>

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