Freshman English 英文
Spring 2009
Monday 10:30-1:00/ Tuesday, 3:30-6:20
Instructor: 俞燕妮 Janette Custodio Yuvienco
yuyeni@ntu.edu.tw
Course Description/Objectives:
The course introduces ICT-based (Information and Communication Technology) foreign language learning strategies that help students build up their own personal learning framework, a vital element of foreign language learning which allows them to define, manage and self-regulate their learning continuously; thus, equipping them with the core skills of foreign language learning (i.e. awareness of language learning structures, linguistic knowledge, communication skills, proactive attitude).

It aims to provide a foreign language learning experience (constructed through a series of individual and group tasks) which supports students’ personal learning goals and efforts, engaging them in active viewing, speaking and writing, reading and listening of materials about academic and cultural topics of public interest; and consequently, prepare them for active and creative oral and written interaction with others.

Course Pre-requisites:
Students are expected to have a GEPT-intermediate level of language proficiency or its equivalent.
Criteria for Evaluation
(83dc) Videoed-Interview 20%
(83dc) Virtual Touring 20%
(83dc) ICT-based Discussions (2) 20%
(83dc) Symposium on Movie 20%
(83dc) Forum (Final Assessment) 20%

*N. B. Students who submit late homework will automatically receive a failing score. Make-up tests/presentations may ONLY be arranged under unavoidable circumstances.
Course Requirements:
Videoed Interview
In pairs or groups (5-8 students), students role-play and video-record an interview (5-8 mins) with a personality (inventors, scientists, writers) of their choice and present it to class; the discussion session (between 10-15 mins) follows, allowing the audience to pose questions and make comments.audience presents questions and feedback after the presentation, .
ICT-based Discussion
In groups of four, students engage in ICT-based discussions as a preparation for the videoed interview: 2 students play the role of interviewer, while 2 others play different personalities of the same field (science, arts, music).
Virtual Touring
In groups of 6-8, students complete a video-recording of a site (architectural structure, park, museum, chocolate factory, publishing house) which introduces its features and characteristics to a chosen audience (10-15 mins). The project (set on movie maker or power point file) contains an appropriate title, the purpose of the edited tour, the relevance of the sites to the target audience. It includes texts, images, sound/voice.

Alternatively, students shoot and/or collect relevant images of the physical setting (significant places) in the previously chosen movie and present them in class as they discuss the contents. The contents include Title of the Movie, names and features of the places and their significance in the story of the film. IMPORTANT: Allot 3-4 statements to describe an image.
Symposium on Movie
Students (in groups of 6-8) choose a movie and discuss its contents: plot summary, characters and their relationship (use a concept map to show their relationship/s), themes and analysis, conflict and resolution. During the class presentation, students may project the relevant scene/s and ACT-OUT a SCENE—a spin-off-- that depicts an ALTERNATIVE solution to the problem.
Oral-Aural Test: Group Discussion
Students listen to a recording or prepare a concept map on a designated topic and discuss in small groups (6-8), which take about 20-30 mins.
Attendance
Attendance in all classes is an important requirement in this course. You are expected to be present at all sessions. Yet, you are entitled to two (2) excused absences during the semester. If due to some unavoidable circumstances, you are not able to attend class, the instructor expects you to ask for a leave of absence to be formally excused from class.