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GSI Teaching & Resource Center
University of California, Berkeley

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English Language Proficiency Courses

The GSI Teaching and Resource Center's Language Proficiency Program offers several courses designed to improve the oral English skills you will need as a classroom teacher. Language Proficiency Program courses are available to prospective and current GSIs who do not speak English as a native language.

These courses are listed in the Schedule of Classes under the heading"Language Proficiency Program." Courses carry two workload units which are not counted as part of the credit requirement for the graduate degree. The courses are graded on a "Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory" basis.

What courses are offered for prospective GSIs who do not speak English as a native language?

Language Proficiency Workshop
LAN PRO 100A
This workshop focuses on the development of English language competence necessary for effective communication as a teacher in a UC Berkeley classroom. Prospective GSIs give videotaped presentations in front of their peers, receive critiques on language performance, and participate in discussions on issues of language and teaching. The course meets three hours per week with an additional weekly conference section. Students take the OPT at the end of the course.

Language Proficiency Tutorial
LAN PRO 100B
This tutorial, which is tailored to the specific language needs of prospective GSIs, is available for students who do not pass the OPT after taking LAN PRO 100A. The class meets as a small group that focuses on oral language proficiency for one-and-a-half hours per week, with an additional weekly individual conference with the instructor.

What is available for new and continuing GSIs who do not speak English as a native language?

Advanced Language Proficiency Seminar
LAN PRO 150 (offered only in the spring semester)
 This seminar focuses on the refinement of English language competencies of GSIs who do not speak English as a native language. The course provides a forum for GSIs who are currently teaching to improve their language proficiency through consultation and observation/videotaping of their teaching, discussion of classroom communication strategies, and through active reflection on their teaching. The course meets two hours per week and includes an individual weekly conference.

Should I sign up for a Language Proficiency Program course?

If you want to become a GSI, but do not pass the TOEFL iBT Speaking section, the SPEAK test, or the OPT, you should plan to take a Language Proficiency Program course for at least one semester. In order to enroll in LAN PRO 100A, 100B, or 150, please e-mail langpro@berkeley.edu.

For additional information, please contact:
Language Proficiency Program
langpro@berkeley.edu

Language Proficiency Program Links:

 

Last update: 07/12/2006

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