This document describes a cross-curricular ESL and acting program at Ohlone College. It provides an overview of the program, which combines an ESL speech communication skills class with an introduction to acting class. Data is presented showing the program's success, including high enrollment numbers each semester and students continuing on to other college-level classes. Challenges in developing the program are discussed, such as finding faculty partners and designing integrated assignments between the two disciplines. Student outcomes from the program include increased confidence, continued persistence in their education, and faster development of English language proficiency.

1. Ohlone CollegeOhlone College
Cross-Curricular ESL VickiCross-Curricular ESL Vicki
CurtisCurtis
ESL 151 Speech Communication Skills
Theater/Dance 118 Introduction to
Acting

2. Program OverviewProgram Overview
ESL class 3 units
Acting class 3 GE units (transferable)
Total 6 units
Team Taught
9:00 AM-12:00 PM Tuesday/Thursday
Held in TV Studio
Student Video Portfolio

3. Student Success DataStudent Success Data
Grades
Offered for 5 years
Fills Easily Every Semester
Students Continue in ESL, Theater, and
other College Level Classes
Informing Non-ESL faculty on ESL
students
Anecdotal Evidence

4. ESL/Acting Fall 2005ESL/Acting Fall 2005

5. ESL/Acting LC GradesESL/Acting LC Grades
Fall 2005-Spring 2008Fall 2005-Spring 2008

6. Hurdles/Overcoming ThemHurdles/Overcoming Them
Finding Faculty
Partners
Faculty Time/Load
Campus Involvement
Inviting Speakers to
ESL Classes
Dean Introductions
Stipends
Load for 50% of 2nd
class
Committee assignment
Flex Time
Volunteer

7. Hurdles/Overcoming ThemHurdles/Overcoming Them
Finding Discipline
Intersects
Begin with 3-5 “Big”
Concepts from each
Class
Look at Student
Learning Outcomes,
Syllabi, Course
Outlines

8. Hurdles/Overcoming ThemHurdles/Overcoming Them
Finding Discipline
Intersects
Design 1 or more
integrated
assignments based on
those connections
Ex. Open Scene
Dialog/Focus Words
Acting-Provide
context, character,
motivation
ESL- Appropriate
word focus to
support the meaning

9. Hurdles/Overcoming ThemHurdles/Overcoming Them
Mindset Change
Quantity VS.
Depth/Quality
Content Coverage-
permission to cover
for depth
Observing Successes
of Others
Flexibility

10. SuccessesSuccesses
ESL Students’ Confidence Increases to
Persist
ESL Students’ Continue Past ESL into
College Level Courses
English Language Proficiency Develops
Faster

11. Student VoicesStudent Voices
Listen to the students
More Info:
vcurtis@ohlone.edu
Link in Google Docs
http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dn3f8j