Basic Skills Forum

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Dear Dean,

I have a question for you. What should I do?

Thanks,

Anonymous ESL Teacher

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Dear Anonymous ESL Teacher,

Click here to pose a question to the administration

Thanks,

The Administration

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Administration Archive

ESL Teacher:

I think that the ESL required staff meeting at the beginning of the year is a good starting point for communication between the faculty, staff and administration, but there needs to be more communication and education about the roles of administrators. I would like to see a “Dear Administrator or Dear Dean” column much like the “Dear Abby” column. It would also be nice to have a place where teachers and staff can see what the responsibilities of each dean and administrator are. Many teachers don’t even know who their dean is. If there’s an issue teachers are more likely to talk to the union than an administrator.

Chris M. Robinson:

Dept. mtgs. are always great. (I remember the monthly ones I attended while in C-BET for 2 years.) My own thought for improvement was echoed by the contribution above with regard to a forum (e.g. flex workshops, or even an accessible web description – a map or flow chart – demonstrating the interrelations among administrative functions. (Maybe this is something I’ll need to get in a graduate program, but it would be convenient. Or, if someone could let me know of some resources to find such info, that’d be “swell.”

Malena Copeland:

All these ideas seem extremely sensible. I think we should start a mentor program for students. This is something that we could even use a blog for. I could foresee an intermediate level class teaming with a beginning level class like in the video by Susan Gaer where her students team up with Melissa Tran’s Students. That was a wonderful idea. Then, maybe they could continue their communication online on a blog. This could work with ABE and High School Subject students as well. We could pair up mentors and mentees and have social gatherings for these students so they feel a greater connection to the school. I also think it would be cool if there were a club of “guides” who would give new students advice and orientations. In the past, I have assigned students in my class the role of giving an orientation to the new students, and when you choose the right student for this job, it can be very successful.

Administration, Assessment, Vocational and Suggestions Archive of Comments

Mary Polychrome | marypolychrome@hotmail.com

I disagree with Merry. This article points out a basic problem we have at CEC. The reliance on part time staff who are unable to give a big commitment to CEC because they have to split their time to several schools and school districts in order to paste together a living wage is a problem. And lack of communication between teachers and departments because they rarely run in to each other is also a problem. We have a huge turnover in students in ABE/GED. I have been an instructional assistant in the ABE/GED program for 8 years and I only recently heard that our main goal is to prepare students to transition to SAC. Our students goals have more to do with learning language and functioning in their jobs. They rarely think about college and yet that is supposed to be our main goal. I welcome this opportunity to learn about basic skills and the best practices in the hopes that we can create a more effective environment for our students.

Apr 18, 9:12 AM — Positioned by Discourse: Obstacles to Effective Teaching in a Community College ESL Writing Class

thachpham | tnpham12002@yahoo.com |
It’s a good idea to make field trips to SAC. However, transportation is the problem for them, and they are at a loss at the campus over there. Can we have a video of one field trip and leave it at the Resource Center, and instructors can check out to show to their students? And, if possible, have the Spanish version and/or translation for the Beg Low students.
Thach Pham

Apr 18, 8:56 AM — Hot Topics

Mary Polychrome | marypolychrome@hotmail.com

Regarding the discussion of fitting in curriculum, casas and el civics, it seems to me in the workshops and research I’ve read on the basic skills project that the issue is more about teaching style than curriculum. It’s not that we add more material to learn but that we change how we transmit the material. The 26 best practices recommend a more student initiated, collaborative style of teaching which may be a difficult change for teachers who have a different style of teaching. I guess that is what the blog is for. To begin to self-teach ourselves what it is we need to do to change our teaching style to a more effective and efficient style. We will learn that in a collaborative and communicative way by talking about it on the Blog. I think the change is exciting and interesting. It will mean more work, not to squish in more content but to expand and freshen our teaching styles.

Apr 18, 8:51 AM — Home Page

Maribel | hernandez_maribel@sac.edu

An idea for Matriculation is if SAC orientations can be conducted at CEC/MEC at the end of the semester so students can transition from non-credit to credit.
Apr 17, 8:47 AM — Student Success Archive

Susan McClellan | susan.mcclellan@cox.net

Wow, what a lot of great ideas. I found Rita’s idea about a student-generated rubric for evaluating assignments very interesting and helpful.
The comments about personalizing the topics to the student’s lives resonates with the keynote address given by Tom Vander Ark at the TechEd 2008 Conference in Ontario, CA this week. He spoke on “The Personalization Revolution” in education. Tom Vander Ark is President of the X Prize and is seeking ideas for a $10 million prize in education.
I attended several great workshops at the Conference. I’m especially excited about using podcasts (or videocasts) as a writing and speaking project.

Apr 16, 1:22 PM — “The Adult ESL Writer : The Process and the Context”

Malena Copeland | copeland_malena@sac.edu

Vincent,
You are absolutely right, I think it would be a great idea if we discuss college level basic skills standards. I will ask the Studies Team to address this. What a wonderful observation!

Apr 7, 4:09 PM — Basic Skills Information

Nilo E. Lipiz | lipiz_nilo@sac.edu |

Our Non Credit Matriculation Plan calls for activities that promote a seamless transition from non-credit to credit. I believe touring SAC campus is an effective way to increase students’ level of awareness of the many educational options available to them. This activity took place in the past as part of our Student Leadership Conference and I am sure it can be brought back by popular demand. Luis Dorado may be able to give us more specific information on how this could be arranged in the future.

Apr 7, 2:07 PM — Student Success Archive

Nilo E. Lipiz | lipiz_nilo@sac.edu

I like the idea of an administrator column where faculty and staff can ask questions or make comments regarding anything related to SAC SCE. We can set this up and start talking.
I also think posting administrative flow charts would show each administrator’s current areas of responsibility. This will be easy to accomplish.
In regards to receiving training on how to utilize the equipment available to instructors in the classroom or from the Resource Center, we have part-time coordinators who will be able to assist anyone on how to incorporate the use of technology in their classrooms. This service may be arranged by contacting Susan Gaer at CEC.
Thank you for posting your comments!

Apr 7, 1:43 PM — Administration Archive

Merry Draffan | draffan_merry@sac.edu

I love this because I think it points our many things that we are doing right at CEC. Of course we need more full time instructors, we all know this. Meanwhile, most instructors I have talked to seem to know their students and have an excellent rapport with them. We also have the supplemental student services in place, thanks to a very dedicated team of administrators and faculty that have made sure these services are available and accessible. Can we make improvements? Of course! Always!

Are we on the right track? I think so.

The big challenge comes when funds are cut, as in the coming year. One thing we can do is keep our eyes open for ways to influence our government representatives as a group, rather than as individuals, so that they keep us in mind when they vote.

Hopefully, we are avoiding some of the problems encountered at Monroe Technical College.
Apr 5, 10:52 PM — Positioned by Discourse: Obstacles to Effective Teaching in a Community College ESL Writing Class

Malena Copeland | copeland_malena@sac.edu

All these ideas seem extremely sensible. I think we should start a mentor program for students. This is something that we could even use a blog for. I could foresee an intermediate level class teaming with a beginning level class like in the video by Susan Gaer where her students team up with Melissa Tran’s Students. That was a wonderful idea. Then, maybe they could continue their communication online on a blog. This could work with ABE and High School Subject students as well. We could pair up mentors and mentees and have social gatherings for these students so they feel a greater connection to the school. I also think it would be cool if there were a club of “guides” who would give new students advice and orientations. In the past, I have assigned students in my class the role of orientators, and when you choose the right student for this job, it can be very successful.

Apr 4, 11:15 PM — Nontraditional Students

Frank | suarez_francisco@sac.edu

The idea of ePortfolios is excellent. It would definitely help in keeping accurate records for our students. Currently, CEC is utilizing ASAP as the main tool to register students. This software is also being used at OEC as well as the ePortfolio part of it for the HSS program. I have been exposed to this area of ASAP and I think it would be wise for all of us to explore this area; perhaps, this software could be tailored to meet our record keeping needs. In regards to the price, I don’t think it would be as expensive as if new software was to be purchased. However, just like anything we can keep our options open.

Apr 3, 11:46 AM — ePortfolios

Carol SanRoman-Skaggs | Skaggs_Carol@sac.edu

Denise: An e Portfolio, also known as an electronic portfolio or digital portfolio is a collection of evidence assembled and managed by the user. A portfolio being a collection of work developed across varied times …. it tells a story. It serves as a resource to assist you in gaining knowledge. Something a little similar to our educational e Portfolio might be that of the medical field putting patient files into a digital portfolio. Again, helping a physician learn and gain knowledge about their patient and their story of health. Hope that helps! Check out this website for more…

http://www.uwstout.edu/art/artedportfolios/whatis/index.html

Carlos: Perhaps one avenue of support for funding
e Portfolios could be pursued as a way of data collecting for students by becoming GREEN! E Portfolios cut down on the expense of paper trails! Those who are suppose to access can readily track students simply by viewing their e Portfolio. Students have access and are able to update as appropriate.

Apr 2, 7:13 PM — ePortfolios

Denise | deniseydowling@yahoo.com

It is not clear to me what an eportfolio is and how it could be utilized by students. Please explain.

Apr 2, 12:11 PM — ePortfolios

Carlos Perez | Perez_Carlos@sac.edu

Carol, the idea of having and utilizing ePortfolios for our adult education students here at the School of Continuing Education in Santa Ana, CA is absolutely fantastic. I have heard of undergraduate and graduate students and professionals using ePortfolios for their appropriate universities and/or for interviews, or prospective interviews, for employment. In my opinion, I think ePortfolios are the wave of the present and of the future. Therefore, if we can have most, if not all, of our continuing education students partake of ePortfolios it will open a new window of opportunity for them. However, one inquiry I would like to pursue is the cost of ePortfolios to our district and how this expense will be covered? Any comments from anyone?
Apr 2, 11:28 AM — ePortfolios

thachpham | tnpham12002@yahoo.com

Dear friends,
I have just sent to Denise my summary of the article (a chapter from the book) by Paul A. Dale & Tonya M. Drake

CONNECTING ACADEMIC and STUDENT AFFAIRS TO ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING.
In general, I agree with most of the authors’ ideas. It’s a great to have a good partnership between the faculty & students affairs professionals.
It is true that most of our instructors do not attend the meetings of the student affairs; partly because they are busy with their full time job, or they have to “fly” from one college to another, or because there is … no incentive?
May be this book/chapter is primarily for full timers who have enough time and energy (and benefits) to take care of the students learning outcome. Please do not misunderstand that P/Ters do not care about student learning outcome. At times I think that P/Ters are considered as assistants or subs for the F/Ters. This is a message from the P/Ters to the Community Colleges administrators & leaders: Take care of the well-being of the (adjunct) instructors, they will take good care of the students learning and success.

Thach Pham

Apr 1, 2:14 PM — Hot Topics

Frank | suarez_francisco@sac.edu

Good Morning Everyone,
An email was forwarded to me in regards to proving student tours to santa ana college. In the past, the Student Transition Program at CEC provided tours to students transferring to Santa Ana College to minimize fear for some our students that might feel overwhelmed by the new experiece or the college itself. By all means, tours might be able to be implemented to the basic skills initiative/program which could also work as retention tool.
Thanks!
Mar 29, 7:37 AM — Goal-Setting Student Success

Denise Dowling

Vincent, you wondered if we could invite some SAC voc ed instructors to pay a visit to CEC. Great question and idea; I’ll find out!
Mar 25, 12:59 AM — Hot Topics

Gina Mariani

I just have to comment that the idea of having short videos or classroom tours of SAC to offer our students is a fantastic idea!! Ideally, of course, is their personal attendance,but I have found out , at least personally speaking, that in our level only a very few take advantage of this opportunity due to various conflicting interests. I, for one, believe that this could be highly motivational and, after all, isn’t that what we’re after? Great idea!!
Mar 24, 3:46 PM — Hot Topics

Malena Copeland | copeland_malena@sac.edu

You are right. In fact, I think it would be nice for all of the faculty on the Continuing Ed. side to get tours of SAC as well as SCC as well. I think it would be nice if every spring, we could get maps or a short video to show in class. This we could talk about it with our students and help them to make the transition with enthusiasm and encouragement.
That gives me the idea of having someone on this project do short narrated video clips of the campus that we could post on this blog. What do you think?
Mar 22, 3:02 PM — Hot Topics

Merry Draffan | mdraffan@sac.edu

Although the Santa Ana campus is a friendly place and easy to navigate, it may seem overwhelming and downright scary to a student who has only been to our smaller centers. To get students to enroll in occupational programs on the SAC campus, I believe it is necessary to take a field trip as a group and give them an orientation of the campus and visit some of the classes. The college does this for high school students each year, as well as for kindergarteners and other elementary grade schoolers! Once they are there and know where to register, etc. they will be comfortable coming back.

Mar 22, 2:30 PM — Hot Topics

Chris M. Robinson | cmrtesol@yahoo.com

Chris Robinson. Dept. mtgs. are always great. (I remember the monthly ones I attended while in C-BET for 2 years.) My own thought for improvement was echoed by the contribution above with regard to a forum (e.g. flex workshops, or even an accessible web description – a map or flow chart – demonstrating the interrelations among administrative functions. (Maybe this is something I’ll need to get in a graduate program, but it would be convenient. Or, if someone could let me know of some resources to find such info, that’d be “swell.”
Mar 21, 11:23 AM — Question of the Week

Vincent Nunez | nunez_vincent@sac.edu | eslwiki.pbwiki.com

I agree, Denise, that we should look for new ways to help noncredit students navigate what is offered at SAC. I know Henry Kim’s leadership students make their way over there. I wonder if we could invite some SAC voc ed instructors to pay a visit to CEC?
Mar 20, 2:15 PM — Hot Topics

Denise Dowling

I think many if not most of our students don’t know about the vocational programs that exist at SAC. And even if they are aware, it can be an intimidating thing to enter the college campus on one’s own. We have made some efforts to help students in this area, but I think we could do a lot more to publicize what vocational programs are offered, what requirements there are, and what the cost is., etc. What we could and should do is easier said than done, but I do know a lot more hand holding and encouragement is needed to see our students continue their education academically or vocationally. I don’t think I would have entered the college doors without someone who believed in me and to help lead the way.
Mar 15, 3:26 PM — Hot Topics

malenacopeland | copeland_malena@sac.edu

Thach Pham has an excellent point, we need to emphasize to teachers how important it is to communicate, seek out resources, and engage in conversations about the best and latest methodologies. This blog is a perfect forum for us to discuss all of these issues.
I agree with this wonderful motto that Thach refers to, but how does the staff and administration fit in to the picture? How much do administrators shape the way the teachers access information and communicate? How do they influence the mood and attitude of the institution? What positive things are they doing now? What suggestions do you have for them to improve their roles?
Mar 13, 8:17 AM — Instructional Practices

Thach Pham | tnpham12002@yahoo.com

Ideally a holistic approach is the most effective way, which involves administrators, faculty, staff and students. However, there is an old Vietnamese motto: “You can’t do anything without your teacher”. This emphasizes the role of the teachers. There is no such thing as self study, or self teaching. You can do that as a hobby, not real learning to succeed in life.
I agree with Denise that the research findings are good; but not many instructors know about them.; and we do not have good resources, either. No wonder we get together to work on this project. “Two heads are better than one!”
Mar 11, 1:38 PM — Instructional Practices

malenacopeland | copeland_malena@sac.edu

I think vocational programs would especially benefit our students. What are the programs we offer here? How are we educating our at large population about these vocational opportunities? What are the prerequisites for these classes? How are we preparing our students to transition to this course work. Can we improve our numbers in this area? Are our students getting the basic skills they need to complete these vocational programs successfully?
Mar 11, 8:07 AM — Hot Topics

Laura Menendez | dolphinmailer@yahoo.com

Bills and budget cuts have become a challenge for adult education as for other areas in education. To what point should a teacher make a difference?
Challenges are a quite unique opportunity for innovation and correction of our educational habits.
After getting their High School Diploma, Where do our students go? If they can make it, they will continue through at least two years of College, if they can’t because of family or work responsibilities, they used to go to Occupational or vocational training and get a certificate in around 6 months to a year and incorporated into the work force. Nowadays budget cuts and Bills had cut this opportunity for our students, and since last year, these programs’ budget is going to 9-12 graders (non adults) in the school districts. Where will our adults go if they can’t make it through a 2-4 years degree? We offer some vocational programs, Is it time to offer some more? As a teacher What do you think we should do?
Mar 11, 7:54 AM — Hot Topics

Anonymous |
As the above says, there is no “quick fix.” There won’t be significant changes by June 2. By then, with the help of learning from research and communication with each other, we will hopefully gain “significant awareness” of how we can make changes that will benefit our students. However, we can make small improvements now by listening to each other and reading this blog to learn and get ideas to help our students reach their goals.
Mar 10, 10:05 PM — Instructional Practices