The observations you will do at the English Language Center (ELC) are a major learning activity in 577. This assignment involves observing classes of real ESL learners. You will work with a series of experienced teachers at the ELC. The total amount of observation time expected of you comes to a total of 780 minutes (12-65 minute classes at the ELC). NOTE: I have scheduled six class sessions when we will not meet, thus freeing you up to do the observations. You will need to do more than one observation on these free days in order to complete all twelve observations.

You will sign up for observations during the first day of class. You have the following responsibilities in completing the observations.

1. Contact the teachers you will observe at least 48 hours prior to the observation. Introduce yourself. Ask what will be taught the day you will observe. Ask if the instructor prefers to meet with you prior to the observation.
2. Go to the observation prepared. Be dressed appropriately. Take paper and pen/pencil for taking observation notes.
3. Arrive at least 5 minutes before the start time of the class. Ask the instructor where he/she would like you to sit.
4. Be as unobtrusive as possible. Do not interrupt the class or make a disturbance or any kind.
5. Following the observation, thank the instructor for the opportunity to observe. Ask if he/she would like to meet with you to discuss the observation.

If you have questions about your responsibilities, please talk to the 577 instructor or contact Joyce Kohler, the ELC secretary at 378-4632 or by email at jwk5@email.byu.edu.

The Observation Log consists of recording information from your observations. The Observation Log should include the following:

1. the date, time, and place of the observation
2. the name of the teacher observed
3. the level/title of the class
4. the lesson objectives
5. a listing and/or description of the teaching materials
6. a description of what actually went on in the class, what teaching techniques or methods were used by the teacher. This is the most important aspect of the Observation Log. The description should not be evaluative but rather descriptive. List the time each phase of the lesson took and a description of what happened. The description should demonstrate your recognition of the relationship between the overall purpose of the class and the particular activities used.
7. a statement of what you learned from the observation.

The following format may be useful:

Name

Teacher Observed

Date

Time

Room

Class

Level

Teaching objective(s):

Materials used:

Physical arrangement of the class (draw seating chart):

Description of class activities:

Time:

Description:

See the separate Observation Log Grading Criteria formused for evaluating this assignment.

This assignment involves a critical, but healthy reflection of what you are learning as you read and participate in class discussions and observe at the ELC. Regularly in class discussions I will ask what you are thinking about and learning as you have been engaged in the reading and discussions. I would expect that you would each be able to jump right into the discussion and share your insights. I would recommend that you summarize as you are initially reading and preparing for class and you keep a record of what you are learning about L2 teaching as you go along. Make regular time each week to work and reflect on the issues raised in class discussions.

See the separate Reflective Journal Grading Criteria form used forevaluating this assignment. You can access the form from the class web page.

This assignment requires that you find an appropriate article in a current TESOL periodical and present a summary in class. You will find a list of the TESL-oriented periodicals found in the HBLL on the class web site (see TESOL Related Periodicals link). Before your assigned date, you will need to go to the library, find an article that is pertinent to the topic(s) being discussed in class, read and understand it, and then present a summary (oral and written) to the class.

The written report is to be no longer than 1 page. The oral report is to be no longer than 10 minutes.

See the separate Journal Article Report Grading Criteria formused for evaluating this assignment.

This assignment consists of writing two text reviews of about 500 words (2-3 double-spaced, typewritten pages) of the quality and nature that could be published in a professional journal or newsletter. The review should make clear what the contents of the book are as well as its strengths and weaknesses. Try to find the most recent books published to review. Look in the Text Review section of TESOL publications to see examples of published reviews.

Copies of possible texts to use for review can be reviewed at the ELC. See Joyce Kohler, the ELC Secretary for information (176 UPC).

See the separate Text Review Grading Criteria form used for evaluating this assignment.

This assignment consists of preparing two well-written, detailed plans, one for teaching an ESL/EFL listening and/or speaking class and another for an ESL/EFL reading and/or writing class. Formats for the lesson plan can vary and will be discussed in class on Monday, June 30. The plans should include the following parts: Teaching objectives, description of the target student population, lesson warm-up, introduction to the teaching point, presentation, practice, evaluation, and application. The plans should also include all materials needed to carry out the lesson.

See the separate Lesson Plan Creation and Sharing Grading Criteria form used for evaluating this assignment.