Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Eligibility for ESL 810 or ESL 510 level
Hours: 36 lecture
Description: High-beginner/low-intermediate level course of listening, speaking, reading, vocabulary, grammar and writing skills to prepare students for the workplace and/or Sierra College CTE construction program. Emphasis on trade-specific terminology and communication skills. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Apply appropriate novice-high oral skills for communication in the construction and trade workplace.
  • CSLO #2: Compose written communication for basic functions at a construction and trade workplace.
  • CSLO #3: Paraphrase written or oral safety procedures in the construction and trade workplace.
  • CSLO #4: Utilize common vocabulary and terminology for construction and trade workplace at the novice high level.

Effective Term

Fall 2022

Course Type

Noncredit

Contact Hours

36

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

108

Course Objectives

1. Formulate questions and expressions related to construction and trades.
2. Respond to questions and directions appropriately to clarify basic tasks in a construction work environment.
3. Employ conversation management techniques to exchange ideas in small and large group communication.
4. Utilize appropriate verbal language and interpret common body language.
5. Complete work-related forms, including timecards and accident reports.
6. Respond to and give safety commands/warnings.
7. Communicate and use safety practices language in construction site tasks.
8. Identify and utilize basic math terminology.
9. Apply basic construction terminology in a variety of communication activities.
10. Employ common construction trades vocabulary in simulated
construction job site conversations.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • Not Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Directions: True/False and multiple choice questions on understanding the language in safety rules. Example: True or False: Flammable means poisonous.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Write an email asking for the day off. Instructors will follow the email rubric (opening, closing, reason, hedges, correct verb tense/sentence structure, spelling) to assess each student's email.

          Repeatable

          Yes

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor will show internet images of common equipment along with the name of the equipment on the screen in front of the class. Instructor will model pronunciation of equipment terminology. Instructor will point to pictures randomly and students will respond with the correct term and pronunciation.
          2. Instructor will show a video about appropriate/inappropriate small talk topics. Instructor will explain the video by pausing and explaining why something is inappropriate. Then instructor will give students a handout that includes small talk questions and answers as seen in the video. Students will work in pairs to identify inappropriate and inappropriate questions and answers.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read an authentic excerpt of an OSHA document and highlight safety key words and phrases regarding PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). 2.Read a safety information guide and list hazardous materials warnings and safety signal words.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Write a draft for an email requesting a day off (using the modals "may I or "could I") explaining the emergency (e.g., hospital, illness, doctor visit, DMV, immigration appt.) using polite terminology to provide an appropriate opening and closing (dear, sincerely, thank you for your attention) 2. Re-write the sentences below using hedges/modals (would, could) as learned in class: a. "Need day off" (change to "Could I have the day off tomorrow? I have an immigration appointment.") b. "Give me day off please" change to ("Would it be ok if I take tomorrow off? My son had a medical appointment.") c. "Want hammer" change to ("Could you hand me that hammer?")

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

            Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

            Authentic trade materials (e.g., OSHA posters, brochures) and/or instructor created materials