Black Hawk College's English as a Second Language Program features an applied curriculum. This means that students have the opportunity to use what they are learning in class to create interesting projects. You will find on this page some of the projects that students have completed.

Reading Court
Every semester, the reading instructor of the intermediate and advanced level classes prepares the students to participate in the Reading Court . This in an engaging activity that involves research, reading, public speaking, and a great deal of drama! The students in the advanced level reading class thoroughly explore a "real" court case. The class assumes the roles of the prosecution and the defense. The teams plot strategy, devise questions for cross-examination, and even coach the witnesses. The students in the intermediate level also study the case because they will act as the jurors. The jurors deliberate and decide the fate of the defendant. Alumni of the program often ask to observe the case. It is a good learning experience and great fun for all.

Field Trips
Students in the reading classes study theme units. They explore in detail many timely social issues. As part of the exploration process, students take field trips to local area sites. For example, after studying about nuclear power and alternative energy sources, the students will visit the local nuclear power plant. While exploring the topic of homelessness, students visit local homeless shelters. Our students have also visited our local prison. These trips help the students to understand the issues more deeply and help them to learn more about American culture.

Listening/Speaking Class Activities
In the Listening/Speaking classes the students created a video about the terrible flood of 1993 that devastated the Quad Cities and many other towns and cities along the Mississippi River. They interviewed many individuals both on and off campus who were affected by the flood. The students produced and edited a video of professional quality. In these classes, students put on plays and skits, interview local politicians, and interact with American students. Instructors continue to search for creative ways to practice the skills taught in the classes.

The ESL Newsletter
Each semester the students in the advanced writing class produce the ESL newsletter which is sent to faculty, staff and alumni. The students determine the content, conduct the interviews, gather the information, write, edit, and illustrate the newsletter. This newsletter gives students the opportunity to write for a "real" audience as many in the community anxiously await the arrival of the new edition each semester.