My+learning+objectives

By the end of 004C, I will be able to:

1. understand at least 70% of a 15-20 minute authentic listening selection on an academic or professional topic 2. understand at least 70% of an extended conversation or interview 3. give well-organized, 7-10 minute presentations on academic or professional topics 4. effectively participate in and lead group discussions 5. speak on a range of academic and nonacademic topics in clear, well-organized English

To achieve these learner outcomes, I will:

A listen to authentic listening selections on academic or professional topics and 1. use prelistening strategies, including a. identifying the topic b. activating schema c. predicting content d. setting goals 2. use listening strategies, including a. listening actively b. tolerating ambiguity c. developing awareness of spoken/written differences d. focusing on speech despite background interference e. distinguishing the main idea and details f. distinguishing fact from opinion g. recognizing paraphrases and summaries h. identifying speaker’s tone and point of view i. understanding pronoun reference j. understanding discourse markers appropriate to this level k. understanding grammatical concepts appropriate to this level 3. learn to recognize various rhetorical patterns, including: a. analysis b. argument c. problem/solution d. extended definition (an explanation of a complex term or abstract concept, usually technical, social, or economic) e. summary/response 4. take detailed notes 5. evaluate notes and use them to complete academic or professional tasks

B participate in open-ended speaking activities in order to 1. learn functional expressions for classroom interaction, including a. expressing opinions b. agreeing and disagreeing c. taking turns d. asking for and giving feedback e. conducting interviews and surveys f. reporting interview and survey results g. describing a visual h. interrupting i. getting and holding the floor j. leading a discussion k. participating in a debate or panel discussion l. persuading others m. asking rhetorical questions 2. increase fluency by using strategies for a. asking and answering questions b. starting, maintaining, and ending a conversation c. making small talk d. elaborating e. using circumlocutions f. stalling for time g. asking for or giving clarification 3. improve pronunciation by focusing on suprasegmentals 4. set specific speaking goals for effective participation in different settings 5. self-monitor and self-correct by a. learning and applying self-, peer-, and teacher-assessment criteria b. developing awareness of frequent individual errors

C. individually or in groups, give prepared and impromptu presentations with introductions and conclusions on academic or professional topics using rhetorical patterns such as: a. analysis b. argument c. problem/solution d. extended definition (an explanation of a complex term or abstract concept, usually technical, social, or economic) e. summary/response