SOLE (Shortwood Online Learning Environment)

This is a practical and interactive course in written and spoken Spanish, which comprises the four language components - listening, speaking, reading and writing. One contact hour is allotted for each component. This course is offered in the first semester to the students of the Advanced Credit programme, and in the third year second semester for the full time B. Ed. students and is a prerequisite for the Advanced Communication II. 

This course serves to prepare students to attain a high level of language proficiency by creatively or divergently applying prior knowledge and skills with new concepts. This course is structured around two (2) comprehensive units which will allow students to reach the upper level of Spanish for Independent users while employing authentic texts on academic, working environment and daily life situations according to the Standards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language.

 The aim of this course is to focus on business communication, narrative and descriptive writing, effective social discourse and on language awareness. It is also to show conversational management using cooperative strategies while using cohesive devices.

Classes will include the use of textbooks, authentic materials - magazines, newspapers, brochures, videos, DVDs, cassettes, broadcasts from Spanish and Latin American Televisions, the Worldwide Web and access to interactive online programmes.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the semester student-teachers should be able to:

1. Discuss different topics related to familiar and abstract contexts applying correct grammatical structure and format.
2. Write clear detailed texts in the form of letters, memos and reports adopting particular attitudes or viewpoints.
3. Read articles and reports concerning contemporary problems for having general and specific comprehension while deducing meaning from context and arriving at conclusions.
4. Write personal narratives about real experiences.
5. Engage in partner work as active listeners who can offer revision ideas.
6. Exhibit strong writing and visual literacy skills through the interpretation of a photographic image.
7. Develop investigative strategies to write a multi-paragraph descriptive composition by collecting information, acquiring data and seeking out visual sources.
8. Build analytical skills by combining visual analysis with depth of expression in writing.
9. Improve quality of writing skills through planning, drafting, revision, editing and refining compositions.