1. Welcome to Core 5 Fall 2018!

2. Professor Lori Rottenberg
Education
Teaching experience
Before teaching
International experience
Hobbies
Family

3. Introductions Your name Where you’re from
How long have you studied English
What do you want to do after your English studies?
What are your biggest concerns about studying in college in the U.S.?
What do you want to get out of this course?

4. Goals of the Class Build fluency in writing Build fluency in reading
Build critical thinking

5. Critical Thinking Cornerstone of American education
Based on questioning and independence of thought rather than memorization and reliance on authority
Based on being able to SUPPORT your positions and ideas
Video:

6. Discussion
Talk about the video. Can you put “critical thinking” into your own words?
Think about your education until now. Do you think you have been asked to think critically? If so, how? If not, does this idea scare you or excite you?

7. Syllabus Course Description Course Objectives
Course Textbooks and Online Materials
Course Requirements
Grading
Important Dates
Online Resources
Course Expectations
Honor Code, Advising, Tutoring, and Disabilities

8. Course Requirements Daily in-class exercises (½ G, ½ R/W)
Online homework
Weekly open or reading-response journals
Weekly extended-reading assignments
Essays
Grammar and vocabulary tests
Finals:
Final book project
Common final exams

9. Why This Level Is Crucial
Many of you apply to:
Pathways Programs
Direct admission to GMU or other universities
One of your last chances to perfect your English skills before entering academia!

10. Remember… You must get at least an 80% to pass this class!
You are “auditioning” for a recommendation starting on Day 1!

11. How to Do Well in This Class
Come to class, on time and ready to work.
Pay attention in class, ask questions, and contribute to class discussions and small groups.
Do all your homework—yourself and on time!
Work carefully on written assignments.
Spend time outside of class reading and writing in English EVERY DAY.

12. If You Start to Have Trouble…
Come speak to me as soon as possible!
Ask if you don’t understand something!
Do not wait!
Do not be embarassed!
Do not let undone assignments pile up!
Remember: The ONLY “dumb question” is the one you DON’T ask!

14. Ways to Get Help Request tutoring from the LRC Ask to meet with me
Participate in every extra opportunity to speak or listen to English that you can!
English Corner
Conversation Partners
Destination Mason activities
Read in English as much as you can!

15. Reading Rocks!
“A large amount of research has shown that one criterion – vocabulary – is most difficult…The most common problem IELTS candidates have is that their vocabulary is limited. It is boring, repetitive, childish, or inaccurate. Perhaps the tone of their language is also inappropriate. Essentially this is due to their not ever reading much in English. Reading exposes you to vocabulary most quickly.” (Sorrenson, 2012, p.8)

16. My Model for Learning… No! Yes!
I shine the flashlight to guide your way, but only YOU can walk the path.

17. Transformation We want to do more than improve your English!
Take advantage of your unique opportunities!

18. Homework Buy textbooks: Read syllabus in detail.
Focus on Grammar 5 and Focus on Writing 5 bundle
Reading Explorer 4 with online access
MyEnglishLab for FOG 5 online access
Farenheit 451—First assignment due 9/10/18!
Read syllabus in detail.
Complete the “Tell Me About Yourself” sheet.
Journals (at least 25 sentences): Due Friday. Open topic.

19. I’m looking forward to a great semester!