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English as a Second Language |
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The major goal of the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Community College of Philadelphia is to prepare students who are non-native speakers of English for success in college programs. The program also welcomes members of the Philadelphia community who wish to improve their English for professional and occupational purposes. The program has three aspects: 1) teaching English as a second/foreign language, 2) providing students with academic skills - critical thinking, reading, composition - required in college courses, particularly English 101 and 102, and 3) helping students with adjustment to life in the United States. The program aims to give students the wherewithal to participate in student life and in the cultural, social, and economic life of the larger community. There are three levels of listening/speaking and four levels of integrated reading/writing courses. For students of minimal English proficiency, the College also offers an integrated course to teach all basic language skills. All of the ESL courses are taught by faculty of the English Department. These courses help students learn skills ranging from basic conversation to complex communication tasks. Writing is required. At the advanced levels, students practice listening to college lectures, taking notes, and speaking for formal and informal situations. Students can also work on improving their pronunciation in a special course designed for that purpose. A language lab in MR-5 also allows students to work independently to improve their listening skills. The reading and writing courses are linked and teaching is integrated so that students can gain language from reading to use in their writing. The courses help students develop better vocabulary, improve reading skills, and understand grammar and use it in writing. Students prepare for college level course work by reading textbooks and other academic material and by writing academic-style compositions. Students also build skills necessary for reading and writing for everyday purposes. While working on English skills, students can take mathematics courses and other content courses based on their academic needs and English proficiency. Students can also take "bridge" courses to meet their degree requirements. Bridge courses are college credit courses especially reserved for ESL students. Classes are smaller and teachers understand ESL students' needs. In these courses, students can begin exploring academic interests in an environment with teachers and classmates from similar backgrounds. Placement into these courses depends on students' levels of English proficiency. Students may seek assistance from specialists and peer tutors in the Learning Lab in B1-28, where ESL specialists are available to help students improve their English. Here ESL students learn English in small groups or individually, use computers to practice grammar skills, participate in special workshops to improve English skills, and receive tutorial help with math, bridge, and other content courses. |
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The major goal of the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Community College of Philadelphia is to prepare students who are non-native speakers of English for success in college programs. The program also welcomes members of the Philadelphia community who wish to improve their English for professional and occupational purposes. The program has three aspects: 1) teaching English as a second/foreign language, 2) providing students with academic skills - critical thinking, reading, composition - required in college courses, particularly English 101 and 102, and 3) helping students with adjustment to life in the United States. The program aims to give students the wherewithal to participate in student life and in the cultural, social, and economic life of the larger community. |
