ESCUELA SUPERIOR POLITÉCNICA DEL LITORAL

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

SUBJECT POLICIES

1. Subject Data
Name: English Credits: 2
Level: E3 P 1-2-3 Class schedule:
Learning Hours Experimental Hands-on Autonomous Total Hours
with Teacher Learning Hours Learning Hours (weekly):
Contact (weekly): 2 (weekly): 2 (weekly): 2

2. Teacher Contact Information

Name: Maria Helen Camacho, PhD E-mail: hcmacho@espol.edu.ec

Office Hours: Monday 8h00-9h00, Tuesdays & Thursdays:
10h00-11h00, Wednesdays: 8h00-9h00, Fridays: 11h00

3. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This subject of basic instruction and general education presents grammatical topics for the
elaboration of an outline and a structured composition, through the development of the writing
program in a transversal way. In addition, it allows the identification of arguments in oral and
written communication on contemporary and academic topics. Additionally, appropriate
vocabulary is applied to discuss issues related to different cultures, places where we live,
everyday news, entertainment media, and past and future opportunities.

4. SUBJECT METHODOLOGY (generals):

❑ The English 3 subject uses the communicative approach, the flipped classroom and
cooperative learning as methodological support. Students should always communicate
in English with the teacher and their classmates. They should attend face-to-face
classes where in both instructor and students are physically present in-campus at the
same time.

❑ Cambridge One along with other online tools will be used to practice language skills. For
class activities and homework, students will be asked to read materials in English and
complete various activities autonomously. Individual and group activities will also be
used. There will be a minimum of two tests, which will take place during the class-time
after the end of each unit. Each test will have a grade of 10 and will be taken in both
terms of the semester.

❑ There will be three exams each semester. The first exam will include the first 3 units
of the textbook Evolve Level 4B (units 7, 8 and 9). The second exam will include the
last 3 units (units 10, 11 and 12). The third exam will include the 6 units of the book
(from units 7 to 12). In the writing section of the exams, students will develop a
complete outline (mid-term) and a 3-paragraph composition (final and makeup).
Students will have one hour to develop their written work. For the oral assessment of
the final and makeup exams, t h e s t u d e n t s m u s t develop a conversation
based on a situation presented by the teacher either in pairs or small groups. For the
mid-term exam, they must make a presentation either individually or in small
groups based on a topic provided by the teacher.

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5. RESOURCES

Guiding textbook:
"Goldstein, B., & Jones, C. (2019). Evolve Level 4B Student’s Book. Cambridge
University Press. ISBN-9781108409230"

Other textbooks:

• Raymond Murphy. (2015). ESSENTIAL GRAMMAR IN USE with answers. (5). United
Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 1107480558, ISBN-13:
97811074805511.

• Cambridge University Press. (2012). THE CAMBRIDGELEARNER'S DICTIONARY. (4).

United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 1107660157, ISBN-
13:97811076601512.

• Ann O. Strauch. (2010). Writers at Work - Compositions. (2005). The United States:
Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521544963, ISBN-13: 9780521544962

Other resources:

Management of the Virtual Classroom (Aula Virtual-Canvas) system, it’s the

institutional official means of communication of announcements. Tasks, assignments,
quizzes, and exams (either paper-based or computer based) and resources within a
class. In addition to this, the platform enables the autonomous work of the student and
provision of feedback from the teacher and peers. It’s mandatory for students to
check it regularly.

Cambridge One, its sequential use allows both the student and the teacher to meet the
pedagogical and curricular needs of the teaching-learning language process in
accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in a simple
and intuitive way. This interaction encourages the learners to measure their own progress
and allows the teacher to have access to the improvement of their students and
advancement in their activities. It’s mandatory for students to access the platform to
complete the grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening and video practice activities
as requested by your teacher. The students will have a maximum of 2 attempts to
repeat each exercise in the platform. Students have to read the instructions included
in the Use of Cambridge One Manual.

• Other websites and applications the teacher considers necessary for the practice of
the language.

• The use of electronic devices such as laptop, tablet or smartphone is strictly for
academic activities related to the class content.

• The Conversation Club is strongly recommended for students who want to improve
their speaking and listening skills. The timetable will be sent to student’s emails. You
must check the schedule, modalities (face-to-face and online) and be on time.
Teachers will give 1 extra point (up to 5 points despite the number of sessions) for
every 3 sessions attended in the Conversation Club which will be included in the
Practical component. Students should complete the Conversation Club attendance
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 log by the last week before the final exam to get the extra points in the Practical
component.

• Reading Club is also recommended for students who want to improve their reading
skills. The timetable will be sent to student’s emails. You only need to check the
schedule, modalities (face-to-face and online) and be on time. Teachers will give 1
extra point (up to 5 points despite the number of sessions for every book that
students complete in the Reading Club which will be included in the Practical
component. Students should complete the Reading Club attendance log by the last
week before the final exam to get the extra points in the Practical component.

• Academic Writing Centre (AWC) offers the “one-to-one assistance hours” in virtual
modality to ESPOL students and community. In these sessions, you must make an
appointment and tutors will assist you to help you enhance your writing tasks. Every
month, the AWC offers academic writing workshops that will help you improve your
writing. You will also get 1 extra point (up to 5 points despite the number of sessions)
for every workshop or tutored session attended, which will be included in the
Practical component. For making appointments or requesting information, please
write to awc@espol.edu.ec.

6. EVALUATION

Theoretical - Practical Subject: Theoretical Component

Weighed grade academic system. First Second Third

Theoretical 70% Evaluation Evaluation Evaluation
Face to face teaching component: 50 50 100
Midterm & Final Exam

- Reading & Vocabulary

10 10 20
- Listening Comprehension
10 10 20
- Use of English
10 10 20
- Writing
10 10 20
- Speaking
10 10 20
Autonomous Learning Component: 50 50

- Autonomous Work (Flipped) 10 10

- Classwork 15 15
- Cambridge One Activities 10 10
- Quizzes/Mini quizzes 15 15

TOTAL 100% 100% 100%

The assessment instruments used for the assessment of the in-class contact hours with the teacher (EHD)
and the assessment of autonomous learning (EHTA) may not each exceed 50% of the final grade out of 100
points in each term. The grade entered in the system is over 100, and the system automatically weights it over
70 points.
(Article 42 - ESPOL Grade Regulation).

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 Theoretical - Practical Subject: Practical Part
Weighed grade academic system.
Practice 30%
Practical Learning First Second
Component: Evaluation Evaluation

Reading 12.5 12.5

Writing 12.5 12.5
Listening 12.5 12.5
Speaking 12.5 12.5
TOTAL 50% 50%
100%
Evaluation of practical-experimental learning (EHP).
This grade is entered at the end of the second term but is evaluated throughout the semester. The grade to
be entered is over 100, and the system weights it at 30 points. The grade for the third assessment may
include other assessment activities, except those included in the assessment component of the practical
hours.
(Article 41 - ESPOL Grade Regulation)

Theoretical final grade Practical final grade Final score

70 POINTS 30 POINTS 100 POINTS

The minimum mark for passing is 60 points in the final grade.

7. Subject Policies

7.1 On class participation and attendance.

The following detail the student’s responsibilities on attendance and class participation.

7.1.1 Student Responsibilities.

Regular and punctual attendance, and active class participation are necessary for a student’s
academic success.
It is the responsibility of each student:
(1) to prepare for every class by having read assignments, written papers and/or prepared
projects,
(2) to attend every scheduled class,
(3) to actively participate in class discussion and activities,
(4) to take notes on discussions, presentations and activities conducted within the class,
(5) to complete all course assignments, even if they are absent from a class.
(6) to know the attendance and participation policy for each course,
(7) to know the assignment and exams policy for each course,
(8) to request permission in advance of any anticipated absence, providing appropriate
documentation if the absence is related to health, academic, professional, curricular,
religious, or campus activities or for personal reasons,
(9) to provide any documentation requested by the instructor to justify absence,
(10) to bring all their material, either physical or the official PDF format of the Evolve
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 Textbook to every class. If they do not have the right material, the teacher can ask them
to leave the class.
(11) To keep in mind that the access code to the Cambridge One is personal and non-
transferable.
(12) To avoid the risk of infection by using face masks, alcohol and gel. Students
MUST use their face masks during the class sessions.
(9) To contact and inform your teachers if you have COVID-19 symptoms or others
related to flu, cold, or any other respiratory problem.

*Taken from Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral – Consejo Politécnico

RESOLUCIÓN Nro. 22-04-079

7.1.2 Class Participation.

By enrolling in an English course and entering the classroom, each student makes the
tacit commitment to participate in the class. Active class participation involves more than
mere physical presence. Students are expected to be actively involved in the class. They
should take the initiative in discussion and projects, ask relevant questions, and
contribute to the over-all learning environment of the class. This is known as active
learning, and it should be the model for English classes.

7.1.3 Group Work

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 • Students must consider that group work is not equal to "the sum of the parts" but the
logical articulation of a topic's development. Consequently, their direct participation
demands a high level of research, critical reading, and creativity. It is about learning with
others, strengthening intellectual skills and interpersonal relationships.
• The group coordinators exercise leadership that guarantees the achievement of the
objectives of the work.
• The teacher or classmates can ask any student about the topic assigned for group
research, so "just clean up," "just prepare the materials," or "just carry out logistical
tasks" are not significant roles. All roles must be academic.
• If a student is registered as a member of a group and did not participate in preparing the
work, the group must record the student's non-participation. Otherwise, the entire group
will be sanctioned for violating this conduct to the ethical profile of the professional in
training.

7.1.4 Attendance.

It is the student's responsibility to attend regularly and punctually to class. If the student
cannot attend a class that requires an assignment or activity, he/she must contact the
teacher for the justification with evidence that supports it. In addition, the student must
use the means indicated by the teacher for the delivery of the task or activity (email and
Virtual Classroom-Canvas).

Remember that the attendance is mandatory and if the student has more than
40% absences, (22 hours = 11 class sessions), he/she will automatically fail the

course.

*Taken from the document “MEDIDAS IPAO 2021 03”

7.2 On assessment and feedback.

Student ID: (During formal assessment) The professor will require students to present
the original and updated ID document (the student is responsible for having an
updated ID to be able to take the exams).

Submittal of assignments & homework: Be punctual handing in work, giving

presentations, and taking exams. Students should observe the timely submittal of the
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 assignments and be aware of the deadlines. In case of health problems, or any other
inconveniences, if the student presents evidence, late submittal is acceptable, and the
task will be graded over 100%. However, if the student cannot justify with valid
documents, the task will be graded with a zero (0).

Take care of the correct application of the grammatical, syntactic, lexical regulations,
etc., both in oral and written productions. Also, take care of your work's presentation
(included in the rubrics).

During the examination, teachers can require students to place their student ID card
on the desk or table where the student is writing the examination, in plain view for
teachers to check. Teachers may ask for additional government-issued photographic
ID if the student does not have a student ID card or if they deem the student ID card
insufficient to confirm a student’s identity.

For the exams, (students must read the Assignment and Assessment Policy prior the
English exams), students should bring only essential items into an examination room.
Personal belongings such as book bags, handbags, purses, laptop cases will be left on the
floor in an area designated by the teacher.
Teachers will be present while students are sitting for examinations, readily available to
answer questions from students, and will monitor and report any instances of academic or
non-academic misconduct.

There are two complementary types of assessment: 1. assessment for learning and
2. assessment of learning.

7.2.1 Assessment for learning (formative assessment) involves the use of assessment
in the classroom and it is founded on the principles that those students will improve
most
if they understand the aim of their learning, where they are in relation the learning and
how they can close the gaps, they have in knowledge and skills. Self-evaluation through
reflection and dialogue is a key component of assessment. Every piece of formative
assessment is referred to in the first section of the table “Theoretical - Practical
Subject: Theoretical Component” is graded over 10 points and the final grade will be
weighted as explained in such table.

Quizzes:
• There will be a minimum of one test after each of the units that comprise the
curriculum is finished.
• Each test will be graded over 10.
• Each test might include a Use of English section: Grammar and Vocabulary.
• Tests will be announced in advance.

7.2.2 Assessment of learning (summative assessment) involves judging students’

performance in the subjects they take. There are three forms of summative assessment
(exams) which have been dealt with on the second section of the table “Theoretical -
Practical Subject: Theoretical Component”.

Practice hour

• This practical component includes the four skills that students need to develop
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 during their level. These skills are reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• The activities as part of the practical hour may vary, they could be individual or
group activities.
• The teacher will assign a minimum of one task for each of the skills per term, so, in
the end there will be eight (8) graded tasks, or more, for this component.
• Practice hour activities will be developed during the second session of the week,
unless the teacher makes a change and lets you know in advance.

7.2.3 Types of feedback

There is a variety of feedback, with verbal being as important as written feedback.

Students’ involvement in the review process raises standards and empowers them to
take ownership of their targets in learning. Marking, assessment and feedback enables
us to monitor the performance of individuals and classes, make informed decisions when
planning and develop strategies to support learning.

Types of feedback may include:

• Peer assessment
• Self-assessment
• Live marking (when the teacher marks work during the lesson)
• Verbal feedback
• Written feedback

Feedback should:
• Be predominately encouraging and constructive.
• Relate to learning outcomes.
• Challenge pupils to think for themselves.
• Create opportunities for pupil dialogue.

7.3 On academic ethics and honesty.

Students have responsibilities to become educated about the standards of ethics and
behaviour in the academic community and to adhere to those standards in all their
academic work. Students fulfil their responsibilities by:
• Being always respectful.
• Reading and becoming familiar with the ESPOL Academic Ethics policy.
• Understanding and avoiding actions that violate the Academic Ethics policy.
• Undertaking a commitment to act with honesty and integrity in completing all
academic work.
• Understanding and applying the proper methods of attribution and citation in all
written, oral, and electronic submissions.
• Making sure they understand the requirements and expectations for academic
work of each of their professors and to seek clarification from the faculty member
when they are unsure if their behaviour will violate those expectations.
• Signing the Academic Integrity Commitment at the beginning of every
exam which represents a student’s affirmation to uphold the shared values of
honesty and integrity.
• Signing the Assignments and Assessment policies during the first week of
class (Aula Virtual)

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 Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following types of misconduct:
• Plagiarism
• Cheating
• Forgery/Stealing

A student who is caught incurring in any act of dishonesty will get a grade of “0”
on all the components of the English exam and will be reported to the Academic
Coordinator at CELEX who will take the necessary measures.

7.4 On communication channels.

There are the official communication channels to get in touch with the teacher for
whichever reason is necessary.
Institutional e-mail: _______@espol.edu.ec.
Messages through Aula virtual.

7.5 Other policies.

• Students cannot eat or drink anything (except water) in class.

• Use advanced information technologies rationally, without neglecting the selection of
the quality of the information presented.
• All questions, comments, or explanations are always welcome. That is why students’
participation in class is expected. Class participation, even if it is not graded, is used
by the teacher to measure the effort and interest of the student in the course.
• Your teacher has a policy of total openness to the student, so any question, doubt, or
requirement will be pleasantly answered by e-mail or telephone.
• All the material will be uploaded to Aula Virtual / Canvas for your access.

Wish you all a great semester!

Regards,

María Helen Camacho, PhD

English 3 Teacher

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