Fourth tutee session with YY and TZ, Wednesday, March 19, 3-5pm
We meet at the CIES lounge. YY is first and working on her grammar. We review vocabulary lesson on names of fruits and vegetables. A few of these are difficult pronunciations for her: "bell pepper", "potato", "avocado", etc. We do some repetitions and sentence construction and this leads to a discussion about article use in speaking. I try to explain using "the" for almost all count/noncount, single/plural nouns vs. using a(n) for the single indefinite forms. I cannot explain well when no article is used on plural forms and some proper nouns.
When TG joins us, we discuss plans for CIES spring break. Both students do not drive, and they are not planning travel at that time, but YY explains about her planned family visit later in the year. The conversation repeats some of our family and directional vocabulary from last week, and we expand upon this with words like: "Orlando", "Disney World", "parkway", "boulevard", "tour guide/bus", and some other vacation terms.
TG has done some online research on additional ESL programs in Tallahassee. He wants to go to TCC again for information on ESL open classes. We try to call but do not get an answer. I have my car because of weather, so we drive over and have to visit three offices before getting to the literacy program for international students office. It is interesting because TG shows more confidence asking questions in English to locate the office and to inquire about the requirements. Residency is important and he will need a Florida ID card. Also, he has to be tested and apply as a non-degree student, a lot of steps. I did not interfere with his questioning and the instructor was obviously skilled in helping him understand the issues.
After leaving TCC, we drop YY at home. TG still wants to go to the Library for information on free ESL classes there. It becomes clearer that he may not be able to stay at CIES or at least understands he will need much more practice to reach his goals. At the downtown library, we speak with a literacy volunteer about the program and get some materials. Apparently, some other CIES students use this program, but not many. It is quiet today. They have a nice dedicated room and an ESL library that makes this a good discovery. I also am very interested in this program, as they also need tutors to serve the growing requests. We return to CIES feeling that he will try the library literacy program.
Some more details from notes about these classes:
ReplyDeleteWe drive to TCC and begin in the administration building. They must question the information desk about the classes. "Can you tell me about the ESOL classes?", "Are you a student (at TCC)?" We do not have student numbers, so we are directed to the admissions office in another building. "The web site says you can join this class at any time." This is not true. There are no prerequisites, but you must register as a non-degree student. "Are you a resident (Florida)?" I must clarify with TG if he has some proof of living here for one year. A lease is OK. But he is now less than a year. "When is the class?" We are directed to another office in the student union building that helps international students. Here they speak with the instructor for the course. There is only a day class that conflicts with CIES schedule. There is no current class. We leave a little disappointed.
The Leroy Collins library. TZ speaks to the information desk. He directs us to the community literacy programs on the third floor. There are two programs. ACE (Adult and Community Education) has intermediate to advanced adult classes at this location. These are free drop-in classes each morning and writing classes on Tuesday evening. No one is available for this program. But there is a Literacy Volunteer available. This program offers one-on-one free tutoring schedules. TZ is very interested in this. This library also has a nice ESL dedicated workroom with audio/video/computer resources and a dedicated ESL library. I am very impressed and will consider becoming a volunteer after this class.