Introduction to Linguistics, Spring 2007

Project 1: Observation and Reflection at an ESOL class

For this project, you will attend local ESOL classes and write a reflection essay about your experience.

You will have the chance to sign up for a time to visit a local ESOL class. Most of the classes are for adult immigrants. Two students may visit the class at the same time. You can sign up with a friend or I will pair you with someone. During the course of the semester, you should attend a minimum of two and a half hours of class (total), which you will complete by attending at least two times. You may go to the same class twice, allowing you to see how the same students are progressing, or you may go to two different classes, allowing you to see how different teachers work. If you have a contact at a school, you may arrange your own visit to an ESOL class there, with the permission of the teacher.

When you arrive at the class, you should introduce yourself to the teacher. The teacher will already have a copy of the sign-up sheet and will be expecting you. You will be doing whatever is the most helpful for this particular teacher during this particular class. The teacher may need you to stay out of the way and just quietly observe. On the other hand, the teacher may ask you to take part in the class in some way, by demonstrating the concepts, by working with students one on one, etc. Most of the teachers have hosted our students before and will have ideas about what you can do to help.

Don’t arrive late. If you haven’t been to the location before, drive by before your class to familiarize yourself with the location. Wear clothes that are comfortable but not too revealing. You should stay for the entire class period unless you have to leave for work or a class and have notified the teacher you will be leaving early. Bring a notebook with you to record your impressions of the class. Have the teacher sign a statement that you were there on that date.

Here are some things to look for in the class:

• how many students are there? notice age, gender, language/ethnic background
• what teaching methods and materials are used
• how the teacher interacts with the students
• what methods seem to work well and which are less effective
• what is the literacy level of the students and how does this affect the class
• how you feel about going into the class as an English-speaking volunteer
• what expectations you had before attending the class
• how the class meets or challenges your expectations
• things that surprise you or give you a new perspective

Write one reflection paper to cover both classes. The paper should be about two pages, typed, double-spaced. It should cover the topics listed above and anything else that you find interesting about the students, the teachers, or yourself as you experience something new. Due date April 9.