Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost.nifl.gov [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.8.5/8.8.5) with SMTP id JAA10789; Wed, 23 Jul 1997 09:58:41 -0400 (EDT) Date: Wed, 23 Jul 1997 09:58:41 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <A629F2FD1@isc03.clc.cc.il.us> Errors-To: lmann@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: <ACE473@mail.clc.cc.il.us> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: Re: Crossroads Cafe--Reply X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Status: RO Content-Length: 2077 Lines: 35 We have used CrossRoads Cafe this summer in distance learning for upper beginning and intermediate adult English-language learners. We set up the classes because we lose many classrooms and budget for classes in the summer semester, and many learners' schedules change in the summer months. We asked learners to watch 6-8 lessons during an 8 week semester, set up a syllabus based upon the worktexts and additional personal writing exercises; in addition we asked learners to attend their choice of small discussion groups weekly. 17 weekly discussion group times were set up and run by teachers, interns, and professional tutors. We have had excellent results from people who have done the work and participated. Writing improved;the discussions have been active, and learners made an easy transition from tape "retellings" to discussion of their own stories and issues. Discussion participants said they enjoyed the opportunity "just to talk" for an hour in English. Learners reported enjoying and benefitting from the lessons, especially in listening, vocabulary and writing. Only one student presented us with pre and post CELSA test scores for the class period, but she showed improvement. Our problems centered around the relatively small number (only about 25%) who actually participated fully in the lessons, partially because of internal registration and orientation problems. Letters and phone calls from teachers and interns increased participation only slightly. We plan to offer the course again next summer, but revise registration, orientation and discussion group procedures, so that learners find more community. We would like to incorporate other series, like Connect with English, once they are available, and later, offer it in a more flexible, variable credit format. If you have other questions, please feel free to write again or call me at (847) 543-2951. Suzanne Suzanne Leibman CEED ESL College of Lake County 19351 W. Washington St. Grayslake IL 60030-1198 (847) 223-6601 x 2951 (847) 223-7580 (fax) SuLeibman@clc.cc.il.us
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