The term ESL covers a rather large range of learning. Most students speak with a memorized vocabulary giving a stilted form of conversation. We will list some of the criterion for internationals that we use so that you may determine the areas most needed.

Beginning ESL: This student will need to learn the basic sounds and word structure in order to read, speak and write limited English. This is usually an international who is limited in the English language and must begin with the sounds, recognition of letters and letter combinations, and the correct pronunciation of those letters and sounds. With 4-6 hours per week, the student would begin sounding vowels, syllables, speaking comfortably in English with classmates and reading short paragraphs and stories within a twelve week period. This is accomplished by means of learning the phonetic sounds of word syllables. Mastering these requirements enables the student to move into the next level.

Intermediate ESL: This student has a basic understanding of English sounds, is able to read in comfort, both orally and silently, divide words into syllables and correctly pronounce words under study. This is usually done during the second or third course of study. This student will successfully learn to read, write and spell three and four syllable words, and build an adequate vocabulary. This student will also spell, write and correctly construct a paragraph of medium length while building an adequate English writing vocabulary. There will be an introduction of research or topical writing so that advancement to the next ESL level will be an easy transition.

Advanced ESL: An advanced ESL student will be comfortble reading, writing and speaking grammatically correct English. The student will be comfortable with dividing words into syllables, locating syllable forms, and correctly spelling words, and building a large American vocabulary with good definitions. Again, this does not refer to memorizing parts of speech or working within a limited framework of memorized words and terms. This student will be able to attend a college or university in the U.S.

After teaching international students for 25 years, I have found that most students have memorized lists of words and terms, and none have been ready to read, write or speak American English. It is imperative that the students have a strong basic understanding of sounds, syllable forms and spelling, thus, enabling the student to speak, read and write with some assurance. (This usually takes about 12 weeks, four hours of classtime per week) I find that two 2-hour classes per week are adequate to teach most of this information, and almost all of the students become very tired by the end of the second hour of classes.