Special Information for Students Who Are
Speakers of English as an Additional Language at

Linda Gates at STUDENT ACADEMIC SERVICES has kindly provided us with the following information about what's available for students whose first language is something other than English:

Academic Skills Mastery Courses

Many Oberlin College and Conservatory students profit from taking courses offered by the Learning Assistance Department in Student Academic Services. This department offers foundation courses in Quantitative Skills, Analytical Reading Skills, and Study Skills. International students who have never lived in the US sometimes choose to take courses in Mastering Skills for Speaking English as a Second Language. All of these courses are described on pages 186-188 of the 1998-1999 Course Catalog.

English Language Courses for ESL students

English language instruction for international students is provided through the Learning Assistance Program (LRNS) and through the Expository Writing (EXWR) Department.

Learning Assistance Program Courses: Speaking English (for non-native speakers)

Courses in Mastering Skills for Speaking English as a Second Language I, II, and III focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing:

 
• ESL I, designed especially for students less familiar with life on a North American campus, includes basic information and an active introduction to Oberlin's resources. Classroom instruction provides opportunities for practice in listening, note taking, discussion, and exam preparation. Reading and writing assignments are designed to help students build vocabulary and increase clarity and accuracy in writing.

   

• ESL II is a continuation of the work of ESL I.

   

• ESL III is most often taught in small groups or on a tutorial basis and is designed to meet the needs of individual students.

  Expository Writing Program courses

  International students who have a good basic command of English but who may need additional instruction in the conventions of American academic discourse might consider taking Basic Writing (EXWR 100) through the Expository Writing Program. For more information about EXWR 100, see page 145 in the 1998-1999 Course Catalog.

  Tutoring

  For help with the academic content of courses tutorial help is available for most 100 and 200 level courses. If you need a tutor, see Lynda Lee, Tutor Coordinator, Peters 116. If you are experiencing difficulty in a course because of problems with reading and writing in English, see Linda Gates who can either assign a peer tutor or refer you to the EXWR department for a special peer tutor trained by the EXWR department.

  Special Advising

  The office of Student Academic Services also provides services from two special advisors, Brenda Grier-Miller (Peters 113) and Sammie Davis-Dyson (Peters 112).

  To avail yourself of any of these services or for more information, come to Peters 118 or Peters 116.

  You may discuss your academic needs by contacting:

  Dean Kelly (College Reading Skills)--Peters G24--X8467

  Linda Gates (ESL and Study Skills)--Peters 115--X8094

  Kay Knight (Quantitative Skills)--Peters 114--X8464