This site provides interactive reading/listening/video lessons based on current events and news items in the United States. It offers English language learners an opportunity to learn and practice English while acquiring essential information about American life and culture. The site is aimed at adult learners, but much of the content would be appropriate for middle or high school English language learners as well. The lessons are divided into 11 subject areas which cover topics such as health & safety, school, money etc. There are vocabulary, comprehension and writing exercises which accompany each story. The site offers users immediate feedback and a running scorecard of their results. Most of the activities seem to be aimed at low-intermediate to upper-intermediate English language learners, so the sit may not be appropriate for beginners. Users need to have an internet connection and RealPlayer in order to play the video. segments.
Type of Material:
Resource
Recommended Uses:
Independent or group work
Technical Requirements:
k
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Listening practice for learners of English
Target Student Population:
Low intermediate to advanced learners of English
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Basic English skills
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
All the activities follow the same clear and organized structure that begins with a reading/listening on a specific topic which is followed by vocabulary exercises, comprehension questions and a writing question. The stories are based on real news stories, but have been adapted for English learners. They are accompanied by audio recordings of the same story which learners have the option to listen to or not. The audio recordings are read slowly at an appropriate level for low intermediate learners. The videos, which are only included with some lessons, are authentic recordings from a California local news program. These are particularly useful in that they give learners clear, authentic visual representation of the topic.
Concerns:
Some of the video segments concerning current events are a bit dated (For example the story about the electoral college contains video footage from the Gore-Bush presidential election.) In addition, in adapting the content to suit lower level language learners, the naturalness of the language has sometimes been compromised.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
These learning materials would be extremely useful either as classroom resources or as independent study tools. In the classroom the teacher could use the readings and activities as part of thematic units on related topics. In addition, the stories and recordings could provide English language learners with valuable comprehensible input that could help them in approaching content area material. The subject matter is engaging and provides newcomers to the U.S. with essential information about everyday life and current events in America. It also provides useful reading and listening comprehension practice and opportunities to build vocabulary through seeing and hearing it used in context.
Some of the topics might be difficult for English language learners to understand without appropriate background information. Therefore, while this sight would be useful for independent learners, it would be more effective as a teaching tool in the classroom.
Concerns:
None
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
This site is clearly designed and easy to navigate. Since all the activities follow the same general pattern learners can learn how to use it quickly and easily so they will be able to focus on the content. The feature which allows students to go back to the story while they are completing the related activities is excellent. Also running scorecards can help learners determine areas of language strengths and weaknesses.
Concerns:
None
Other Issues and Comments:
None
Creative Commons:
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