Renton Technical College

ESL for the Trades

Level 2 ESL

Summer Quarter 2006

Instructor Information

 

Name:              David Dickson

Phone #:           (425) 235-2352 x 5591

E-mail:              ddickson@RTC.edu

Office Hours:    By appointment; usually 7:30 – 8:00 AM and 2:30-3:00 PM

           

Course Schedule

 

            Dates:               July 3 – August 10, 2006

            Holiday:            July 4 – Independence Day – No School

            Time:                8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Monday - Friday         

            Room:              J 115

 

Useful Phrases

Here are some good phrases that you should use often.  As we read and discuss the information in this syllabus, you can practice these phrases.

 

Excuse me.

 

 I don’t understand.

 

Please repeat that.

 

Please speak slowly.

 

What does ______________ mean?

 

How do you pronounce this word?

 

How do you spell ___________________?

 

Course Description and Objectives

 

In this course, we will:

·         Learn about various careers in the trades.  To begin, for example:

o        What does “career” mean?

o        What does “trades” mean?

 

·         Discuss construction, manufacturing, maintenance and repair.  For example:

o        What’s the difference between maintenance and repair?

o        What does construction mean?

o        What does manufacturing mean?

 

·         Identify several different trades. For example:

o        What is a carpenter?

o        What is a plumber?

o        What is a roofer?

o        What does a lather do?

o        What does a property maintenance assistant do?

 

·         Identify some basic tools, equipment, and machinery commonly used in many trades – and some special tools used in specific trades. For example:

o        What’s a hammer, a hacksaw, or a nail set? 

o        What’s the difference between a framing hammer and a finish hammer?

o        What’s the difference between a backhoe and a bulldozer? 

 

·         Identify safe work practices and practice safety related language.  For example:

o        What is PPE? 

o        What are goggles? 

o        What is an MSDS?

o        What does “Watch out!” mean?

o        What does “Duck!” mean?

 

·         Practice using a tape measure.  For example:

o        How wide is the window frame?

o        What is the length of the table?

 

·         Describe your previous work experience. For example:

o        In my country, I was a carpenter.  I framed houses, and I installed doors and windows.

o        I have never had a paid job, but I like to fix things.  I often fix my car, and I fix things in my house when they are broken.

 

·         Identify a variety of training and apprenticeship programs and the steps that you need to take to enter those programs. For example:

o        If you want to be lather, you can join the LADS apprenticeship.  Their office and training facility is located at RTC.  

o        What’s an apprenticeship?  In an apprenticeship you work and go to school.   So you earn while you learn.

 

·         Practice basic computer skills.  For example:

o        What is the correct procedure for booting up and shutting down a computer?

o        How can I find information on the Internet?

 

·         Get to know some of the resources—such as the library, the Internet and counselors—that are available at RTC to help you meet your goals. For example:

o        Which web sites can I use to find more information about being a carpenter or an electrician? 

o        Where can I get more information about apprenticeships? 

o        How can I find a book or video in the library about construction?

o        Is there a web site that will tell me how much an electrician earns?

 

·         Explore the job search process. For example:

o        What is a resume?

o        What’s a cover letter?

o        What’s an application?

o        What’s the difference between an informational interview and a job interview?

o        Who can help me find a job?

 

Competencies

 

We will be learning English language skills—just like other ESL Level 2 classes.  There is a list called the Washington State Core Competencies that ESL students should practice.    A “competency” is something that you can do.  For example:  Can you tell the time?  That is a Level 1 reading competency.  

 

We will practice many of the Level 2 competencies while we learn about the trades.  A list of the Level 2 competencies is posted on the class bulletin board.

 

Attendance

You are expected to attend every scheduled class.  If there is a problem and you are going to be late or absent, please call and leave a message or send an e-mail message. 

 

If you are tardy (late) or absent (not here) four times, you can be put on probation.  (Probation is a warning.)  If you are late or absent again, you may be dropped from the class.  The complete Basic Studies Attendance Policy is posted on the bulletin board.

 

Expectations

Students are expected to:

·         Attend every class,

·         Be on time for class,

·         Be prepared for class (bring your notebook, pens, etc.),

·         Do all the homework,

·         Participate in class activities, and

·         Speak English (even when you’re speaking to another student who speaks your own native language).

 

Materials

In this class, there are many kinds of materials to help you learn English.  For example:

·         Real tools

Ø       Please understand: This is a language class, not a work skills class.

Ø       We will look at the tools, and if the teacher says it’s ok, you may even pick up some tools.  But we will not use the tools to do any work.

Ø       Do not play with the tools.  They are not toys.  If you play with the tools, or do something dangerous with a tool, you will be sent out of the classroom.  

·         Mock up panels for basic electrical and plumbing components.

·         Videos of construction and manufacturing procedures.

·         Photos of people working in the trades.

·         Books about the trades.  There are many books about the trades in the RTC library.

 

Please bring these materials with you to class:

·         notebook paper

·         pens or pencils

·         a 3-ring binder with all of the class handouts

·         an English-English dictionary  (This is optional, but highly recommended.)

·         RTC library card

 

In addition to the RTC library card, you should have a library card for your local public library (for example: Renton, Seattle and/or King County). If you really want to learn English, you must read every day.  So, go to the library and find something that you will enjoy reading. 

 

Assessments

 

All ESL students must take the CASAS tests during the quarter.  There will also be regular quizzes and informal assessments.  For example: 

·        What does career mean?  Do you remember?

·        What is an apprenticeship?

·        What is a syllabus?

 

 

Campus Closures

 

What should you do if there is very bad weather, a power outage, or an emergency, and you think the college might be closed?  Listen to the radio, watch the news on TV, or call the RTC phone number (425) 235-2352, extension 9 for a report.