Essay 4: My experience as a language learner (Narrative Essay) Learning a new language is a long and ongoing process. It is also a multi-layered process, with at least the five layers described below. All of these layers contribute to how ‘good’ you are (or how ‘good’ you are perceived to be) at the new language. In this essay you get to tell your story as a language learner by unpacking and making explicit what the layers in your story look like. Your story is important because language is an integral part of a person’s identity. One of the goals of this essay is to help you better understand your own story and how that has shaped your identity. Addressing the different layers of your story will help you explain your attitudes about the languages you speak, why you have these attitudes and how these attitudes affect how you see yourself. This, in turn, will help you better explain who you are and your journey in the US to classmates, neighbors, friends, family and potential employers here or at home. Your essay must address the points in each of the 5 layers below. It should incorporate revised (NOT copy-pasted) elements of your diagnostic and first three essays and should reflect a semester’s worth of reflection on these themes. You may also want to incorporate parts from your grammar journals if it will be helpful in making your point. You are free to organize it in a linear fashion in the form of a prose timeline or in a thematic fashion or any other order you choose, as long as there is a clear structure, which is previewed at the beginning of the paper, and there are transitions between ideas. Your essay should be a minimum of 4 pages (double spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font with 1 inch margins all around). You will be graded on: A) Content: The essay addresses the points in each of the 5 layers in a depth appropriate for a college level, end of the semester reflection essay. Evidence is used to support claims. Revised elements of past papers are incorporated. [60pts] B) Coherency/Flow: The essay is coherently arranged, paragraphs are well organized, and there are appropriate transitions between sections. [30pts] C) Expression: Information and ideas are clearly articulated throughout the paper. Editing has occurred and effort has been made to correct spelling, punctuation and grammar mistakes (as evidenced by turning in all parts of the writing process). [10pts] The motivation layer: Different people have a diverse set of reasons for choosing to study a new language. It can be undertaken as a way to obtain better financial/employment opportunities, to fulfill a requirement, for gaining social capital, to facilitate travel abroad, due to interest in a particular culture, to make new friends, and/or to gain new perspectives on the world, among other things. The reasons that an individual learner or a particular culture chooses to study a new language plays an important role in the success of the learner and in informing how the learner and the learner’s culture go about learning/teaching a new language. The grammar layer: Once someone has made the choice to learn a new language, they often turn to dictionaries and grammar books, i.e. just trying to master the fundamentals the language itself. This exercise may take place through individual study or in a classroom setting. The resources available to the language learner during this process will vary. If receiving classroom instruction, the content can differ widely. Different programs give different emphasis to learning vocabulary, grammar and culture. Some focus more on reading and writing, others focus more on just speaking and some focus on all three. Naturally, all of these factors will have an impact on a learner’s knowledge of and fluency in the new language. The culture layer: In addition to learning vocabulary and grammar, language learning also involves learning culture. For some learners, this cultural knowledge was an early part of their language education, and they feel rely on this cultural knowledge to help them in cases where their knowledge of the language fails. For others, their first real lesson comes when the go to a country where the new language is spoken and realize that, though they may have gotten excellent grammar scores, they cannot participate in daily conversations due to lack of cultural knowledge. Along with knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, knowledge of culture plays a key role in how fluent and confident a learner will feel when speaking the new language with native speakers of that language. The education style layer: Another layer in the process that often is not as obvious has to do with teaching style and philosophy. Some learners come from environments where asking questions was punished, rote memorization to pass exams was the golden standard and teachers were revered. Others come from environments where the good students were the ones who could ask good questions, apply knowledge and debate with the teachers. This can lead to confusion about what is expected of students in the classroom in the new country. Additionally, learners often transfer their own cultural ways of organizing and presenting knowledge to the ways they organize and present in their new language. For example, some cultures prefer linear organization while others prefer circular styles. Since many people do not know what their style of organization and presentation is and since many educators are not aware of style distinct from their own, learners can often become confused and discouraged as they try to interpret comments that papers and presentations are not well organized. The resiliency layer: Learning a new language and being able to use it to live comfortably in a new country is hard. Language learning in country is sure to result in misunderstandings and mistakes due to lack of knowledge of grammar, culture or the educational system. Doing it successfully requires the development of a number of broader ‘life’ skills. Learners frequently do not realize they have these skills since it is easier to see what they still need to learn, than to see how far they have already come.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.