Individualized Self-Study in an Oral Skills Intensive English Program (IEP) Course Leah Kronick and Crystal Rose

Overview: 1.Background 2.What did we do and why? 3.Student feedback 4.Future suggestions and follow-up

Background ● Spring 2014 ● Minnesota English Language Program (IEP) ● Level 2, Intermediate Oral Skills courses

What did we do? ● Introductory Activity o Reflect on how ss feel about speaking English o Reflect on English use outside of classes ● Ongoing Homework Assignment (Out-of-Class Activity) o Success Journals o Bi-weekly video reflections ● In-class activities o Discussions o Creating practice activities that target specific outcomes

Why did we do it? Goals of Assignment: ● Students will be able to articulate their personal learning goals (listening and speaking). ● Students will be able to explain how practice activities will help them reach their learning goals. ● Help students become self-directed learners ● Help students gain skills necessary to become life-long learners ● Help students monitor progress in speaking and listening ● Allow students to guide their own learning, focusing on outcomes/skills they value most ● Allow students to target outcomes based on their proficiency, strengths, and weaknesses

Student feedback ● Midterm and end-of-semester surveys (using Google forms) ● Student Rating of Teaching ● Informal comments/ discussions

Student feedback ● End-of-semester surveys: o “How helpful did you find the Success Journals to be in relation to your English learning” (choose one)

Student feedback ● End-of-semester surveys: o “This assignment helped me...” (choose all that apply)

Student feedback ● End-of-semester surveys: o “Which of the following is true for you?”

Student feedback ● Written comments: o “I think it’s a great success and it should be continued in the following semesters.” o “Though you are tired, I think you should check the journals every day…” o “I think it was the best thing because it can give you motivation to learn English more.” o “...it was the best because it encourages us to practice English in public.” o “I think it’s unhelpful. You can do it, but a little bit different, like give some survey in order to include it in your journal and also some activity.”

Future Suggestions and Follow-up ● Clarity and Specificity of Directions ● Modeling/ scaffolding ● Online journals

Thank you! Leah Kronick Crystal Rose