English 080: The Loft Link Orientation Spring 2008

What Is The Purpose of This Class? English 080 is a two credit reading & writing class designed to: –Provide Individualized instruction –Strengthen gaps in your English skill set –Prepare you for future academic coursework –Support your personal educational goals –Introduce you to the Loft Writing Center Plus

Eng. 080 Outcomes You will: –Develop a greater appreciation for tutoring –Learn what resources the Loft provides –Improve your writing and grammar skills –Become a more self directed learner – Acquaint yourself with computer based learning

How Do I Get Credit? 4.0 (A) = 10 thirty minute sessions with a tutor plus 15 hours of self study for a total of 20 hours 3.0 (B) = 8 thirty minute sessions with a tutor plus 14 hours of self study for a total of 18 hours 2.0 (C) = 6 thirty minute sessions with a tutor plus 13 hours of self study for a total of 16 hours

Are There Any Other Requirements? Yes!!! You must: –Meet with the Loft director at the beginning, middle and end of the quarter –Make sure to document your work and scores on your student assignment sheet –Complete a class evaluation at the end of the quarter

Does Eng. 080 Affect My Grade in Eng. 95/96 or Eng. 97/98? No, Eng. 080 is a separate class for which you earn a separate grade from the one you earn in Eng. 95/96 or 97/98.

Can I Start the Class Anytime During the Quarter No! You must complete half of your hours and tutor sessions by the middle of the quarter. If you do not, you cannot earn a 4.0 in the class.

What Can I Study in Eng. 080? Anything that supports you in your academic coursework including: –Reading –Writing –Grammar –Spelling –Pronunciation –Study Skills –Critical Thinking –Listening –And more!

How Do I Track My Time In? You clock in and out of the Time Keeper as you enter and exit the Loft Warning: Make sure to clock out when you leave otherwise the Time Keeper will automatically log you off and you will lose credit for those hours Also, make sure to write down how many hours you have spent in the loft on your assignment sheet at the end of every week

How Do I Log Myself In? First, go to the Timekeeper and click “Log In” Type in your Student ID Choose your class Choose your resource: “Tutor”, “Computer” or “Self Study” Click “Go” Click “Go”

How Do I Use Tutoring? Bring in an assignment from your class Sign up for a tutor at the greeter station at the entrance to the Loft Tell the tutor exactly what kind of assistance or feedback you need

What If I Don’t Need Any Tutoring Help? Don’t Worry! Your instructor, Daniel Tarker, will be more than happy to assign you specific topics to receive tutoring on. Ideally, we would like you to bring assignments from your class, but if you are unable to meet the minimum requirements for Eng. 080 by receiving tutoring on your lecture class assignments, the Loft director will assess your skill set and assign appropriate subjects

What Kind of Tutorial Assignments Will the Loft Director Assign? The Loft Director will administer a pre-test, usually a short writing assignment, and use the test to determine what skills you should focus on developing during this quarter. Assignments will include tutorials and practice exercises to develop your skills

Can I Do Homework as Part of Eng. 080? No. Eng. 080 is separate from your other classes. You will not get Eng. 080 credit for working on homework from other classes while in the Loft. However, if you need help in an English class, you can work with a Loft tutor, which will count toward your Eng. 080 hours.

What is Tutoring? Tutoring is the process of working one-on- one or in a small group with someone possessing expertise in the subject you are studying.

What If I Don’t Need a Tutor? If you think you do not need a tutor, you probably misunderstand how to work with a tutor. Tutoring is not just for students who are struggling. Tutors can also help you notice things you may have overlooked and be a good consultant as you revise an essay or work on other academic assignments. Plus – You need a minimum of 8 tutor sessions just to pass!!

What Is The Purpose of the Assignment Sheet? To Track Your Work, Hours, and Progress –Ultimately it is your responsibility to make sure all assignments, scores, and hours are recorded on your assignment sheet. –The assignment sheet will be the heaviest factor in determining your grade. –Document everything you do in the Loft on the assignment record sheet

What Will I Leave This Class With? Hopefully, you’ll leave with: – A stronger skill set in English. –An appreciation for Loft services –The ability to be a self-directed, independent learner

What Next? Now that you have finished the orientation worksheet, please see either a writing consultant or the Loft director to review your answers.