1. If a student is unable to start with episode 1, how can s/he find out what has been taught in previous episodes?
Ingles Ya! was designed to be a sequential program, starting with episode 1. Episodes and content build on and reinforce one another. However, a more advanced student could start with later episodes. The teacher can use the IY Scope and Sequence to determine an appropriate starting place for individual students. For example, a launched beginner might not need to start with "the basics" and could therefore skip Unit 1 (episodes 1-5) and begin with Unit 2, episode 6. Note that students should always begin their studies with the first episode of a unit, so that they can view the Previous Episodes Summary, allowing them to view a summary of the IY tele-novela.
2. What if a DVD or CD is damaged? Lost or stolen?
For damaged, lost or stolen DVDs, or CDs have your school call the Ingles Ya! office at
310 562-0144 or email sampowers7@yahoo.com to request a replacement DVD or CD. The cost of replacement DVDs or CDs is $4.00 per disc plus shipping and handling.
3. The pace of instruction seems fast. Is it appropriate for beginners?
Because the curriculum was developed for beginning Spanish-language dominant adult students, bilingual instruction could be used to support the learners' understanding of the lesson. With the bilingual approach, learners spend very little time determining meaning, and can devote their time to working with and internalizing the target language. This changes the pace of instruction. Current language learning research identifies the value of using authentic language (at natural speed and intonation) as a model, and then providing practice activities that heighten the learner's awareness of language forms and vocabulary. While the video lesson does cover the meaning, form and use of the target language, the video is only one component of the IY language-learning program. Pronunciation segments, workbook and audio activities allow the learner to take time to process and practice the new language, working towards mastery. Because the video and audio materials were designed to be viewed and listened to multiple times, the natural pace of the language insures that learners will be able to apply what they learn when they communicate with native speakers in the real world.
4. Is there an English-only version of the workbook?
Yes. However, the program was developed for Spanish -language dominant adult learners with low- levels of education in their home countries. The bilingual workbooks insure that learners, working on their own, are able to complete the workbook exercises by not having to decode English direction-lines. The English only, teacher-edition of the workbooks is available upon request (effective 7/09)
5. How does IY work as a distance-learning program?
The initial design of Ingles Ya! included implementation at schools as a Distance Learning, or independent study model. For a school-run distance learning program, students can check out the materials and bring them back, completed, to a teacher. As with all distance-learning programs, the teacher would then spend individual time with the student addressing specific questions or areas requiring targeted remediation. IY! also works well in the blended learning model.
6. Is it necessary for the distance-learning teacher working with IY to be bi-lingual?
The short answer is, "no." English-only transcripts of the videos and English-only versions of the workbook would allow a non-Spanish speaking teacher to preview the student materials. However, a bi-lingual teacher would have the ability to support the learner during the early one-on-one teaching sessions.
7. Can the workbooks be "re-purposed" into an 8.5" by 11" format for schools?
8.5 by 11 versions of the workbook materials are available in a .pdf format. Schools can license the written materials and make unlimited copies for educational purposes. Contact Sam Powers at sampowers7@yahoo.com to get the details regarding a reproduction license.
8. Should more "ADA" hours be granted for completion of a lesson? (DVD, CD and completed workbook)
Currently in California adult school distance learning programs, a conservative estimate of 12 hours of ADA is to be claimed for a completed lesson (including a post-test completed at a minimum of 80%). This number was based on evaluating other beginning ESL distance learning materials, including "Putting English to Work 1" and "Learning English-Delta Style" and evaluating the competencies covered and lesson materials delivered in each lesson.
9. Is the content appropriate for adult education students?
Ingles Ya! is based on the principle that high-interest content motivates language development and learner persistence. The Ingles Ya! presentation segments (telenovela,"commercials," songs, and skits) are based on current popular Spanish-language television programs and traditions. These segments were carefully reviewed by cultural experts to insure their suitability, cultural relevance and acceptability for a general Latino adult audience. The vocabulary and grammar segments are based on standardized adult beginning-level language frameworks. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about the content.
10. How is CASAS integrated or addressed in the lessons?
Please review the "Scope and Sequence" to see the exact CASAS correlations. Ingles Ya! is found on the CASAS QuickSearch database of commercially published instructional materials correlated to the CASAS Competencies.
11. Question: Can the materials be "licensed for reproduction"?
Licensing is a possibility, especially licensing the right to reproduce the consumable workbooks in an 8.5 by 11" format. Contact Sam Powers at sam@inglesya.us to get the details regarding a reproduction license.
12. Question: Can the Ingles Ya! materials be used in a CBET (Community Based English Tutoring) class?
Yes. Many districts are currently using IY! in their CBET programs.
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"Teachers all report
students react well to the engaging story
lines and easy-to-follow workbook,
which keeps them actively participating.
The combination of videos, CDs,
and grammar activities provides a comprehensive
and effective approach to language learning."
Trish Kerns, Sacramento City Unified School
District
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