Extensions

This is a webpage which will contain information about the extensions which you may attempt over the course of the semester; it will evolve as we add to it. Because I've found many students did not read the section about extensions on the syllabus very thoroughly, let me summarize what extensions are. They are optional tasks that you may complete which will improve your homework grade. If you do not complete any extensions over the course of the semester, the highest homework grade you can receive is 85% of the maximum. In order to do better, you must complete a number of extensions. Extensions also give you a chance to "earn back" some of the points you have lost on your normal homework, and may count for up to 20% of your homework grade. It's that simple!

A comprehensive list of extensions follows.

1. Correcting Past Mistakes

   Rationale

   It's one thing to look over your errors; it is something else to correct them. When you correct your errors and rewrite a clean copy, you become involved in learning why the mistake you made was indeed a mistake, and train yourself to write correctly. Creating a digital record of your work allows the teacher to publish it anonymously, so even more students can learn from your mistakes. Creating a digital version of your work in Chinese allows Chinese students to more easily identify how key phrases should be translated into English.

   Requirements

   You must have received a 60% or higher grade on your homework (before late points were deducted) to be able to attempt this extension. Type up your homework with all corrections made, and submit it to me either by email or on a floppy disk, labeled clearly with your name and the assignment title. If you have any questions about the corrections you should make, you should ask me before you submit this extension; I shouldn't find any mistakes on the copy you give me. You may qualify for even more extra points if you translate what you've written in English into Chinese and submit a typed copy of this translation along with the original. The Chinese must be an exact translation, or as close as you can get, in order to be at all useful. By submitting this material, you consent to have it published anonymously on the internet.

2. Keeping A Journal

   Rationale

   It's good to write in the language you are trying to learn every day. Writing makes words and phrases more present in your mind so you will be more likely to use them in your spoken English. Moreover, in order to express deeper feelings and thoughts, you are challenged to learn new vocabulary and phrases.

   Requirements

   You must tell me that you want to keep an English journal, and use a separate notebook for it. You will submit the entire journal to me periodically. You must write at least two entries each week. Write the date of each journal entry at the top of the entry, before the body of the entry. The number of extra points you receive will be based on how much reflection and time I think went into your writing.

3. English Corner

   

   Rationale	You should take every opportunity to speak English outside of the classroom. By doing so, you can not only improve your own language skills, but also contribute to the establishment of a language learning environment for everyone. Speaking English in a casual context with your friends is good practice for the real world.
   Requirements	Go to English Corner every other Tuesday and actively participate in the conversations and discussions that take place. Make sure that I mark you down for having attended.

4. Taking Notes

   Rationale

   You can't count on your memory alone to review what you've learned; you need to have a written record. Note-taking is a fundamental academic skill which forms the bridge between classroom discussions and your personal study, so that you can build on what you've learned after class, instead of forgetting it and letting it go to waste. Only through experimentation and self-evaluation can you discover the note-taking style which is best for you.

   Requirements

   Listen carefully in class and pay attention when new vocabulary, phrases, sentence patterns, or interesting ideas are introduced. Write them down in a separate notebook you keep solely for the purpose of note-taking, along with the date you encountered them. Your notes should not be mixed together with your homework or notes for other classes. Your level of class participation should not drop as a result of your taking notes, so you must find an efficient way of jotting useful materials down quickly. I will examine your notebook periodically, and reward conscientious effort on your part with extension points.