Beginner Level
Beginner Level Curriculum Overview
Program Name: Basic English Program
Curriculum Objective: The Beginner Level curriculum is designed to develop communication skills necessary for everyday life in English. The program focuses on helping students develop conversational abilities on daily topics. This includes specialized classes focusing on English pronunciation, which many students find challenging, thus providing opportunities to tackle foundational aspects.
Post-Completion Goals: Upon completing the program, students aim to engage in casual conversations about daily life, work, family, and general everyday tasks.
Mandatory and Elective Courses at Beginner Level
Mandatory Courses:
- Beginner Grammar I, II, III
- Beginner Conversation I, II, III
Elective Courses: Students at the Beginner Level can choose from the following subjects:
- Pronunciation
- Vocabulary
- Reading/Writing
- Listening/Speaking
Each semester also offers a variety of different elective courses.
Course Requirements and Notes for Beginner Level
- A minimum of 240 hours (i.e., 20 hours per week for a 12-week period) of Beginner Level elective courses is required.
- Students placed at the start of the Basic English Program can meet program requirements within a minimum of one year.
- Students may take more than 240 hours of electives within the program, but all program requirements must be completed within two years.
- If a student completes a Level II or III class, they cannot revert to a lower level class.
- Completing Level III does not necessarily require advancing to a higher level.
Achievement Goals for Beginner Level
Students who complete the Beginner Grammar and Conversation classes aim to achieve Level 1 (Elementary Proficiency) according to the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale.
Characteristics of Students at ILR Level 1 Include:
- Ability to meet basic needs and minimum courtesy requirements necessary for travel.
- Ability to ask and answer questions on familiar topics within a limited range of language experience.
- Ability to understand simple questions and statements by slowing down speech, repeating, or rephrasing.
- Despite frequent errors in pronunciation and grammar, possesses a sufficient vocabulary for expressing basic needs.
- Can be understood by native speakers accustomed to dealing with non-natives attempting to speak the language.
- Able to ask about meals, shelter or accommodations, ask and give simple directions, make purchases, etc.