Welcome!

**UPDATE** Registration is still on-going, so we're not yet sure whether there will be 1 or 2 groups for first-year classes. Would all students in Oral Communication I please meet on Monday October 13 at 9am in Room 206 for the first class. Please think of 3-5 suggestions of good class discussion topics and be prepared to talk. See you then.

 

Welcome to the website for IBU English 122 Oral Communication, Group A. Please consider this site as the textbook for this course and consult it regularly for readings and information related to class discussions, assignments and exams. 

Please also feel free to leave comments, suggestions, questions and helpful links related to the discussion topics.

**Please note: all students in this course (and other 1st year courses) must have an informal assessment to determine which group they will be in for this class, as well as Reading & Writing and Listening & Pronunciation. If you have not seen Ms. Wray and/or Ms. Cunniffe for your placement test or do not know which group you should be in, please speak to one of them as soon as possible.

Here are some more details about how Oral Communication classes will be structured:

Wondering how to do well in Oral Communications? Here's a summary of the requirements and expectations listed in the syllabus and discussed in class:

1. Come to class regularly

2. Do your work. When you're supposed to.

3. If you have a question or a problem, ask about it. The earlier the better.

This is a speaking class, so it's essential that the instructor hear you speak in order to evaluate your skills in spoken English and how you are progressing. There will be 2 short speech assignments during class, in addition to speaking exams (midterm and final), but class participation also makes up a huge portion of your grade (30%). Remember that class participation is not the same as attendance. While you cannot participate if you're not present, just showing up for class but not contributing to the discussion will not earn you any class participation points, either. The evaluation rubric for participation can be found below; your participation grade will consider your interaction with peers, contribution to class, preparedness, use of English and level of participation.

Due dates will be strictly enforced. Students will have advance notice of assignments, exams and weekly discussion topics and everyone is expected to complete their work at the scheduled time. If you will be absent for some reason, it's your responsibility to inform the instructor as soon as possible and make alternate arrangements.

Finally, please ask if you have any questions or problems during the course. I am happy to help but need to know what it is you need help with. Also remember that dealing with issues as they arise is much better than waiting til the end of the term; by then, it is often too late to make alternate arrangements. Please be proactive.

Have a great term, everybody.

CLASS PARTICIPATION RUBRIC AND GUIDE
	4	3	2	1	Totals:
Peer Interaction	Actively supports, engages, and listens to peers/teacher	Makes a sincere effort to interact with peers/teacher	Limited interaction with peers/teacher	Virtually no interaction with peers/teacher
Preparation	Arrives fully prepared at every class session	Arrives mostly, if not fully, prepared	Preparation is inconsistent	Rarely or never prepared
Participation	Plays an active role in discussions	Participates constructively in discussions	When prepared, participates constructively in discussions	Comments vague if given; frequently demonstrates lack of interest
Contribution to Class	Comments advance level and depth of dialogue	Relevant comments are based on assigned material	When prepared, relevant comments are based on assignments	Demonstrates a noticeable lack of interest
Use of English	Always speaks in English; incorporates new vocabulary and initiates English conversations.	Usually responds to teacher and peers in English. Makes some attempt at more complex speech.	Gives basic responses in English but does not attempt more complex communication.	Answers teacher and peers in native language; makes minimal effort to speak English in class.

YOU MAY POSITIVELY AFFECT YOUR PARTICIPATION GRADE BY:

1. Becoming more active in class, asking thoughtful questions, and/or making more effective comments that raise overall level of discussion and engage your peers.

2. Listening carefully to, supporting, and engaging your peers in discussion. This will improve others’ learning experience.

YOU MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT YOUR PARTICIPATION GRADE BY:

1. Not attending class regularly, even if you meet attendance requirements. You cannot contribute if you are not present.

2. Dominating class discussions, thereby restricting others’ participation or making negative or disrespectful comments.

3. Disrupting others’ opportunity to listen and/or participate.

4. Using electronic devices during class unless instructed to do so.

 Adapted by L. Wray from http://esl-winslow.wikispaces.com/, accessed 16 February 2013. Originally from The Teaching Professor, March 2005; and from Class Participation Rubric, by Bill Heller, http://web.cortland.edu/flteach/BillHeller-Participation-Rubric-AB.html . Accessed 16 February 2013.