First Day of Class ntroduction for the 2012-2013 Academic Year

WELCOME TO 9TH GRADE ENGLISH LISTENING AND SPEAKING SKILLS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of this class?
What will we do in class? What materials will we need? What kind of assignments will we have? How will we be graded and assessed? How can get the most from this class? What are the rules?

What is the purpose of this class?

To improve your ability to communicate in English through the skills of listening and speaking. To improve in specific listening/speaking skills such as presentations, debating, everyday skills, etc. To increase our knowledge of the world and ourselves through the materials we use.

What materials will we need?

NorthStar 4 Listening and Speaking

3rd Edition English Dictionary Notebook Pencil/pen An open mind

What kinds of assignments will we have?

Homework from the

Coursebook Presentations Debates Extensive Listening Journal

How will I be graded and assessed?

Homework 15% Material 10% Participation 25% Presentations 25% Projects (Debate and Extensive Listening ) 25%

Participation Rubric
POOR
Communication
only communicates with class and group members when prompted reluctant to contribute information and ideas to the class and group, even when prompted

OK
communicates with class and group members when prompted sometimes contributes information and ideas to the class and group

GOOD
communicates well with class and group members contributes information and ideas to the class and group questions the ideas of the group to seek clarification or agreement

EXCELLENT
communicates well with class and group members and encourages others contributes information and ideas to the class and group and prompts others to contribute

Group Activities

reluctant to participate in class and group activities, even when prompted reluctant to work with groups outside of a small circle of friends rarely contributes to cooperative problem solving

participates in class and group activities when prompted works with new groups when required sometimes contributes to cooperative problem solving

participates in class and group activities willingly works with new groups contributes to co-operative problem solving

participates enthusiastically in class and group activities willingly works with many new groups frequently contributes innovative ideas to cooperative problem solving

Leadership

requires motivation to participate uses strategies which discourage others from participating

accepts various roles within the class and group including some minor leadership responsibilities helps to motivate others when prompted

accepts various roles within the class and group, including leadership helps to motivate others encourages others to participate

accepts a wide variety of roles within the class and group, including leadership helps to motivate others to accept leadership roles

Responsibility

reluctantly takes responsibility only for some of the work to be done rarely completes class and group activities or projects

takes limited responsibility only for own share of the work to be done completes most class and group activities or projects

takes responsibility for own share of the work to be done completes class and group activities or projects works to help achieve the goals of the class and group

takes responsibility for own share of the work to be done and helps others with theirs ensures that class and group activities or projects are completed

Team Attitude

reluctant to show respect for the ideas of others in the class and group

usually shows respect for the ideas of others in the class and group

shows respect for the ideas of others in the class and group

shows respect and consideration for the ideas of others in the class and group

How can I get the most from this class?

Do your best. Ask for help. Help each other.

What are the rules?

Be engaged. Be respectful. Be prepared. Be on time.

Any other questions?