ESL – English as a Second Language
The Leelanau School’s goal for the international student is to encourage and support learning the requisite English language skills necessary to do well on the TOEFL while achieving academically. We find a very successful approach is to immerse – completely surround – international students with the English language. Their academic and ESL classes are taught in English, and all school-related activities are conducted in English. This immersion encourages students to apply previously-learned English skills in all situations, while learning new language skills and receiving directed self-expression practice in the ESL classroom. Immersion also helps students adjust to American society and culture through full participation, and helps students acquire new socio-cultural behaviors essential to the successful use of English. Accordingly, students are encouraged to use English on campus as much as possible in order to maximize the learning benefits. Students also participate in local community events and travel regionally and internationally in an effort to utilize their knowledge of English.ESL classroom instruction is calibrated to the basic TOEFL requirements, covering the basic skill areas that appear on the test. All skill areas are introduced at the student’s skill level, and skills are taught and practiced in an integrated manner. Levels of difficulty rise commensurate with the student’s proficiency level. As with all Leelanau courses, the classroom activities are cross-curricular. The ESL teacher stays in regular contact with other faculty members to correlate ESL learning in other academic subjects wherever possible. These exchanges allow for discussion of any language-related learning problems the student may be experiencing so that appropriate remedial measures can be taken.
Prior to students “graduating” to the next level of ESL, they are evaluated by their instructor as to what program will be most appropriate for them. Private tutoring is also available.
ESL I
ESL I is a project-based class where students focus on one topic around which an instructional unit is based. For example, in the Chocolate Unit, students read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, write summaries of chapters, research chocolate, create PowerPoint presentations or other writing projects based on chocolate, and watch the movie or clips of the movies based on the book. Finally the unit ends with a visit to a local truffle maker’s shop to interview her, take a tour of her facility, and enjoy some of her chocolate treats. Similar units are carried out using tea and coffee. Other projects have included movie making.
Advanced ESL
Advanced ESL is for students who are fairly proficient at writing, speaking and comprehending English. The goal of this class is to help students improve standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, and TOEFL-ibt), as well as to give them a greater understanding of American culture. Students will read American Literature, complete many test prep exercises and participate in a variety of field trips. Advanced ESL is geared towards seniors who are preparing for college in the following year.