The ESL Program at Manor College
Welcome to ESL (English as a Second Language) at Manor College! The program began in 1991, and has been successful in teaching English to students from all over the world. Some students return home after graduation, while others transfer to American universities. Whichever path you choose, this site will help you take the first step
ADMISSION
If you wish to be admitted to the Liberal Arts/ESL Program, or any other program at the College, you must contact Admissions. Here you must take an entrance test. It is given in English. The test is 3 hours long and has questions on English grammar, reading, mathematics, and study skills. This test will determine if you need ESL classes.
If you do need ESL classes, you will be placed in the correct level. Another test, the SLEP (Secondary Level English Proficiency) Test, will put you in the right class, based on your level of English. You must take the SLEP Placement Test, which is given by the Director of the ESL Program. The test has three parts: listening, reading, and writing.
Manor does not offer credit for ESL coursework because the students are not at the college level in English. However, you are able to take other courses at the college (mathematics or computers) for credit if your language level is at the intermediate level.
COMPUTERS AND ESL
Manor has several computer labs on campus. All ESL students have access to the latest ESL software. Computers with the ESL software are located in the Learning Center and the Computer Labs and include: Grammar 3-D Series (all levels) and Pronunciation Power.
CONVERSATION BUDDIES
The Conversation Buddy Program began in 1998. Conversation Buddies are students at Manor College who are interested in helping you learn English. You can practice conversation skills with them. They are interested in other cultures and volunteer their time to meet with you weekly.
ESL COURSES:
PLACEMENT AND EXIT CRITERIA
Manor College has courses for all language levels. If your English is at the high-beginning level, you can take one semester, offered in the Fall, of intensive study. This is a full-time, all- English course. It requires 12 hours a week in class, 3 hours a week on the computers, and 2 hours a week of individual tutoring. Once you achieve the intermediate level, you can take college courses along with your ESL courses
All ESL students who place in the beginning and intermediate levels will major in the LA/ESL Program. If you place in the advanced level or when you achieve it, you may choose another major to study, such as Business, Allied Health/Nursing, or Psychology.
To exit the ESL Program, all Manor students must pass a reading test and a writing sample. After you achieve this level, you are able to register for the English writing course, EN 101 Fundamental of Composition I.
In addition, ESL students must pass all ESL courses. The grades for ESL courses are “S”- satisfactory, “SP”- showing progress, and “U” – unsatisfactory. A grade of "S" is the only passing grade.
In short, to exit the ESL program a student must-
· Pass a reading test with a scaled score of 1100
· Achieve a passing grade on the exit essay
· Achieve a passing grade of “S” in all the ESL courses
TUTORING
Tutoring is available to all Manor students in all subjects. Tutoring in the Learning Center is an important part of the ESL student’s college experience. Students come to the Learning Center for tutoring on a one-on-one basis. Tutors are professional tutors who are college graduates or peer tutors, which are students at the college.
Jane L. Gee, the Director of the ESL Program, has her office in the Learning Center, so she is easily accessible to students.