The Harvard Bridge Program 124 Mt. Auburn Street, 3 rd floor Cambridge, MA

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1 The Harvard Bridge Program 124 Mt. Auburn Street, 3 rd floor Cambridge, MA Course Descriptions ESOL Classes English Level I This class is designed for learners who have little or no ability to read or write in English. Students enrolled in this class usually have had very little or no formal education in their native languages. With respect to listening and speaking, students in this class range from bare beginners with little or no oral fluency to those with very high listening and speaking skills. Letter recognition, letter formation, sound/symbol correspondence, phonics, sight word recognition, oral reading and spelling techniques are used to begin the reading and writing process. When necessary, this class also accommodates more educated academic learners who do not possess adequate listening and speaking skills to succeed in the Level 2 class. English Level 2 The English Level 2 class is designed for beginning English learners who have mastered some decoding skills and can use phonics to sound out words. Generally learners in this class have learned the alphabet, can distinguish between upper and lower case letters, can write and say very basic personal information, and can read and understand simple sentences. Students at this level can work independently to complete both in-class and assigned homework. Oral communication followed by reading comprehension is stressed. Reading and writing activities are used to reinforce the new language skills. Students at this level are exposed to the basics of English grammar. English Level 3 This course prepares high beginning English learners to interact more effectively in English. Students develop more vocabulary and reading and critical thinking skills. Grammar is formally introduced, beginning with parts of speech and verb tenses. Oral communication is still a major focus at this level with students sharing more life experiences and expanding their vocabulary. English Level 4 The Bridge English Level 4 class prepares intermediate English learners for more advanced grammar concepts and to use those concepts in written and oral expression. Readings are more complex, and curriculum is geared toward more individualized, workplace and life needs. Students are more independent in terms of their own learning, and more fluid in their expressions in English. Reading/Writing 2 The Reading/Writing 2 class is designed for learners who are able to read simple learned sentences and personal information stories, and able to write short sentences related to a topic. Reading comprehension, phonics, spelling patterns, rules of capitalization, and basic parts of are speech are taught directly at this level. Students also write journals on a variety of topics, usually based on a model or highly structured worksheet. Short stories followed by comprehension questions, class discussion, information gap and cloze exercises are used to support this level. Life skills writing tasks,

2 e.g. writing checks and filling out forms may also be included. Instructors may place a stronger emphasis on reading or writing based on the interest and needs of the students enrolled. Reading/Writing 3 The Reading/Writing 3 class is designed for learners who are able to read and understand paragraphs containing more complex statements, e.g. those containing coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, and who have at least a basic understanding of the parts of speech. Students at this level are able to write paragraphs, notes and informal letters in English. Standard punctuation, spelling and sentence structure are reinforced. Activities used to improve reading and writing skills at this level include reading more complex stories and practice writing formal vs. informal letters, s, and short compositions. Students also develop their ability to edit their own texts through process writing. Instructors may place a stronger emphasis on reading or writing based on the interest and needs of the students enrolled. Reading/Writing 4 The Reading/Writing 4 class is designed for students who have mastered the skills taught in Reading/Writing 3 and wish to continue to increase their vocabulary knowledge and improve the coherence of their writing. Students write in response to more complex readings, create outlines and write multiple drafts to develop ideas and improve stories. Speaking and Listening (Levels 1 through 4) The Speaking & Listening courses are designed to increase students abilities and confidence as they interact with English speakers and focus on developing listening comprehension, speaking and pronunciation abilities. Students are placed into the appropriate level class based on their knowledge of English grammar and structure as measured by other classes in our course offerings, registration assessments, and standardized test results. Speaking and Listening 1 is designed for students whose knowledge of grammar is at English Level 2 or 3 but who would benefit from more intensive instruction aimed at improving their confidence, as well as ability to understand requests, ask for clarification, answer questions and give directions. Speaking and Listening 2 is designed for students whose knowledge of grammar is at English Level 3 or 4. Students at this level work on developing their vocabulary and ability to speak on a topic for increasingly longer periods of time. Strategies to improve pronunciation are taught directly. Speaking and Listening 3 is designed for students whose knowledge of grammar is equivalent to a student enrolled at IEL Level A or B. Students learn and practice more complex strategies to improve their pronunciation and listening skills. Speaking and Listening 4 is similar to the level 3 class, but is designed for students whose knowledge of grammar is equivalent to a student enrolled at IEL Level B or C. ESOL classes at Harvard Extension School s Institute for English Language Students who want to use English to pursue academic study and who have 6 to 8 hours a week to

3 complete their homework have the option of attending classes at Harvard Extension School s Institute for English Language. Five levels of integrated skill classes (Levels A to E) and a number of specialized classes are offered. These classes are free when students register through the Bridge Program. For more information, contact Tamara Suttle at or tamara_suttle@harvard.edu. For course descriptions or to register for the IEL placement test, go to: Advanced Pronunciation Advanced Pronunciation for Faculty and Post Doctoral Fellows This course is designed for faculty and postdoctoral fellows who are eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)* and provides direct instruction in pronunciation to improve communication with native English speakers. The class will focus on identifying and correcting accented speech sounds and other features of spoken language which contribute to misunderstood communication. Participants will be recorded to track improved pronunciation. Class presentations will also be assigned to assess students' progress throughout the semester. *To determine if you are TAP eligible, please contact the benefits office at Advanced Pronunciation for Advanced Speakers of English This course is designed for advanced speakers of English and provides direct instruction in pronunciation to improve communication with native English speakers. The class will focus on identifying and correcting accented speech sounds and other features of spoken language which contribute to misunderstood communication. Participants will be recorded to track improved pronunciation. Class presentations will also be assigned to assess students' progress throughout the semester. Advanced Communication This 12 week class is a follow-up to the Advanced Pronunciation Class and will offer advanced students the opportunity to polish their speaking skills with a focus on clarity. It includes a continued focus on individual pronunciation issues, practicing different methods of delivery, and improving verbal and non-verbal communication. A variety of professional and social scenarios will be used including formal and informal workplace communication. Participants will be recorded weekly and use self evaluation and peer feedback to assess their progress. Enrollment is limited to 15. Presentation Skills This 10 week course is designed to prepare advanced non-native English speakers to develop and deliver presentations for conferences, in-class lectures, seminars, workshops and business meetings. Participants will learn to organize and outline their presentation material, practice proper methods of vocal and non-verbal delivery, use presentation aids, and develop different forms of speeches that lead to effective presentations. Participant presentations will be videotaped and evaluated by both the instructor and the participant to track progress throughout the semester. Enrollment is limited to 10 students.

4 High School Diploma ADP Task Preparation This course guides students through the six required tasks for the Adult Diploma Program (ADP). A task is a project related to the skills needed to function and progress in daily living situations. Reading a map, understanding a lease, writing a resume, and measuring the area of a room are examples of task requirements. Each completed task is evaluated by the teacher/assessor and students must demonstrate a working understanding of the finished task. Sixty-four generalized life skill competencies are grouped into the following task areas: Community Awareness, Personal and Family Health, Occupational Preparation, Personal and Social Awareness, Consumer Awareness, and an Individual Skill Area. With an instructor's guidance, students work individually and in small groups to research, study, and collect information necessary to complete the tasks. MCAS Biology Preparation This course is designed for Adult Diploma candidates to successfully pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Grade 10 Biology exam. Students must demonstrate that they have reached the standards on the Biology strand of the Science and Technology curriculum framework in order to receive a high school diploma. Coursework prepares students to be tested in the following six content areas: The Chemistry of Life Cell biology Genetics Anatomy and Physiology Evolution and Biodiversity Ecology Lessons focus on developing a range of skills, habits of mind and subject matter knowledge. Students must complete multiple choices, as well as open response items. MCAS ELA Preparation This course is designed for Adult Diploma candidates to successfully pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Grade 10 English Language Arts exam. Students must demonstrate that they have reached the standards on English language arts and mathematics in order to receive a high school diploma. Course work prepares students to be able to read and analyze basic literary concepts. Examples of readings include short stories, poetry, novel excerpts, and speeches. Students are required to read a novel and be able to respond to a provided writing prompt using a five paragraph composition format. Lessons focus on developing reading and writing strategies. Students must complete multiple choice and open response items, as well as a five paragraph essay. MCAS Math Preparation This course is designed for Adult Diploma candidates to successfully pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Grade 10 mathematics exam. Students must demonstrate that they have reached the standards on the English language arts and mathematics in order to receive a high school diploma. Coursework prepares students to be tested in the following content areas: Number Sense and Operations Patterns, Relations, and Algebra Geometry

5 Measurement Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability Lessons focus on developing mathematical problem solving and communication skills necessary for the exam. Students must complete multiple choice items, as well as short answer and open response items. General Education Development General Education Development (GED) This course develops critical thinking skills, increases reading comprehension, improves written communication and numeracy skills, develops research and study skills, and prepares students for the GED test and for higher education. Many colleges and employers accept a passing score on the GED as an alternative to a high school diploma. The GED consists of five timed subject area examinations: writing, social studies, science, interpreting literature and the arts, and mathematics. An important feature of the GED test is the essay, which documents a student's ability to communicate effectively through writing. Academic Preparation Academic Writing This class is designed for students who want to develop their academic writing skills. The focus will be on how to write 5-paragraph essays and research papers. Various kinds of essay models will be used, including descriptive, compare and contrast, and persuasive essays. A writing sample must be completed before the class begins. College Preparation This advanced level course is for students who are preparing to go to college. Reading and writing are the main focus of this course. Instruction includes classroom discussion, listening to lectures, note taking, essay writing (expository, opinion, narrative, comparison and contrast), summarizing, grammar review, and improving study habits. Students will be introduced to research skills, including library and internet searches. A minimum of 4 hours of homework a week is mandatory. TOEFL Preparation The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is mandatory for non-native speakers who apply to English-language colleges and universities. The TOEFL Preparation Class teaches students to take the exam and at the same time develops advanced level reading, writing, listening, speaking and test-taking skills. This class is valuable for all advanced students who wish to practice these skills even if they do not plan on taking the TOEFL exam. Transitions Writing This course is designed to prepare participants for college level writing. Students who want to continue improving their academic writing skills or those who are returning to school will benefit from this course. Students will learn to write college level papers with a strong focus on grammar, structure, and organization. In addition, a computer component will help students learn to research and format papers. This class meets twice a week. Class prerequisites: high school diploma or equivalent (from country of origin or the US) and ability to use MS Word 2007.

6 Career Development Writing for the Workplace This course is designed for students who are ready to begin practicing business writing needed in office settings. The class includes: constructing effective s, letters, memos, and reports; improving sentence structure and variety; and building business language vocabulary. Where possible, there is an emphasis on using the students current, on-the- job writing to develop relevant grammar and writing lessons. The course goal is to enable students to be more effective writers at their workplaces and/or prepare them for jobs that require writing. Advanced Writing for the Workplace This course is designed for students who want to further improve and gain confidence in their business writing. The class will focus on developing organizational skills, and improving the clarity of messages using the correct tone, grammar, and business vocabulary. Lessons will feature actual letters, s, faxes, reports, and memos written by students in their current jobs. There is an emphasis on developing advanced grammar skills in order to edit and proofread one s own writing. The course goal is to enable students to be more proficient, effective, and confident writers at their respective workplaces. Business Writing / Computer Skills for Supervisors This course is designed for students who are ready to begin exploring the writing and technical skills involved in office careers. The class includes constructing effective s, memos, reports, spreadsheets, and correspondence. There is a focus on improving sentence structure, adding variety to enhance writing, building business language vocabulary, and practicing to proofread and edit documents. This course is for students with basic/intermediate computer skills who want to learn more about , Microsoft Office programs, and using the internet. A mix of direct instruction and practical projects help students gain confidence using the computer. Examples of projects include creating proposals and timelines for customers, entering and formatting work schedules, and maintaining project lists. Managing files and keyboarding practice are incorporated each week. Introduction to Office Skills This course introduces students to the basics of working in an office. Combining computer and customer service skills, this hands-on course is designed to increase students' knowledge and confidence in operating office equipment, such as the copier, fax machine, multi-line telephones and printers. Students learn to order office supplies on-line, make travel arrangements, and schedule meetings. Students explore the dynamics of offices and learn how to work effectively within them. Mastery of telephone etiquette, prioritizing work-flow, and multitasking are priorities of the class. Using a variety of interactive exercises in an office simulated environment, students will gain practical experience. Career Exploration This class is designed for students to explore different career options both inside and outside Harvard University. After completing a comprehensive battery of career assessments, students develop a working resume, learn how to format a cover letter, and how to search and apply for jobs online. Mock interviews are conducted and analyzed in class. Instruction focuses on strategic responses and appropriate follow-up after the interview. Basic computer skills are required for enrollment. This class

7 is intended for students who wish integrate their personal and career goals through self-assessments and those who feel ready to explore other career options. Computers Basic Computers This class is for students with very limited computer experience or who have never even touched a computer before. Students will be introduced to typing, , Microsoft Office programs, and using the internet. Intermediate Computers This class is for students with some computer experience who want to learn more about , Microsoft Office, and using the internet. A mix of direct instruction and individual projects will help students gain confidence using the computer on their own. Advanced Computers This class is for students with significant computer experience who want to work on advanced aspects of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Microsoft Access is introduced. Several individual projects are completed over the course of the semester that develop and integrate internet research skills with work in the various Microsoft Office programs. Bridge Resource Center Bridge Resource Center Bridge students receive individual or small-group tutoring in the Bridge Resource Center for all subjects covered in the Bridge curriculum: literacy, beginning to advanced levels of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), preparation for the Citizenship test, Adult Diploma Program (ADP), Business Writing, TOEFL preparation and computer literacy. The Resource Center library includes textbooks to facilitate the tutoring, as well as information on career exploration, tutoring techniques, college preparation and application, and test preparation. Students and tutors have access to a computer lab that offers English vocabulary and pronunciation software, online typing tutorials, and internet access. In addition to working with tutors, Bridge students can use the Resource Center as a quiet place to work independently and complete homework.

8 Tutoring & Citizenship Preparation Tutoring In addition to classroom learning, Bridge students may request one-on-one tutorial sessions. We have specific tutors devoted to helping learners who cannot attend regularly scheduled classes or who need extra help. Tutors are available on campus before and after work hours. To request a tutor, contact Jennifer Goulart at or jennifer_goulart@harvard.edu. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, you can read more about the tutor program at and contact Jennifer Goulart at or jennifer_goulart@harvard.edu. Citizenship Preparation We also provide tutors in collaboration with Harvard Kennedy School s Institute of Politics for individuals interested in becoming U.S. citizens. Lessons use texts and discussion to teach the new material for becoming a U.S. citizen. Tutors are available on campus before and after work hours. For more information contact Tamara Suttle at or tamara_suttle@harvard.edu. Career Counseling Career Development Services Career counseling for Bridge students involves individual counseling sessions, the administration and interpretation of a variety of assessments, resume and cover letter consultation, and preparation and guidance concerning interviewing techniques, exploration of college and training programs, and job transition. Staff assists individuals in conducting job searches and finding specialized educational programs. If you would like to meet with a career counselor, please contact Carla Fontaine at or carla_fontaine@harvard.edu.