Communication Skills
Mission
The Communication Skills Department serves students who have not met the college entrance proficiency standards in reading and writing. The program provides preparation in reading and writing strategies, critical thinking, and effective study skills enabling students to successfully engage in college-level work. The department supports the college's commitment to educational opportunity for all eligible students. The curriculum strives to meet the needs of students at their individual levels and encourages them to develop a positive attitude and to identify their academic and career goals.
Programs of Study
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Liberal Arts (LA)
Program Admission Requirements: Students identified through the College Placement Test (CPTs) or after attaining grades in ESL classes.
A high school diploma, GED, or passing score on a
federally approved Ability To Benefit Test is required for admission
to all programs. Contact the Admissions Office
for more information.
News
Professor Carol Costello's Reading 2 classes have completed debates this semester on whether euthanasia should be legal and whether public school should be scheduled year round. Their next debate will also involve an argument essay. Possible topics include: gay marriage, capital punishment, and the war in Iraq. Class novels completed to date include The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and Bad Boy by Walter Dean Myers.
Professor Barbara Geoffrion is currently involved as a participant in the selection process for the NSCC Foundation Scholarship, as a member of the Writing Across the Curriculum Committee, and as an instructor in the TRIO Learning Community Program. She feels honored to have been chosen by a former student for representation in the eigth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers.
Dr. Love Maya, has served as a representative of the Diversity Leadership Council, and she has served as a Student Club Advisor for the Fall 2008 and Winter/Spring 2009. There are about 17 different student clubs on campus and Dr. Maya has served as the Advisor for the African Society. "It has been a tremendous opportunity and a gratifying experience to assist students in their development as constructive citizens and leaders both in their academic journey and outside the classroom. These students are now able to "call" meetings, discuss issues, and organize activites such that took place at the Multicultural Fair." The African Society consists of students from various countries in Africa, and they organized the preparation of their native dishes, introduced their culture, music, and dance. "It just goes to show that student involvement in any club or activity is the key to its success!" Dr. Love Maya has published a novel entitled Off the VILLAGE MATT; as well as the VALEDICTORIAN published in 2004 and the third book, THE DOGS OF THORTHSIDE AVENUE has just been published. A sign-in is in the works!
Professor Ralph Tufo has been selected to be a recipient of the 2004 NISOD Teaching Excellence Award. He will represent the college at the NISOD national convention in May. Ralph recently presented an in-service workshop to the faculty on the topic of working with at-risk and underprepared students. He recently coordinated a departmental workshop on utilizing technology within a developmental reading/writing program.Ralph was a member of the MCAS Preparation Curriculum Design Team and is currently serving on the college's ESL Career Institue.
Professor Kathleen Hanlon Yanchus was awarded the Pride & Performance Award by the governor for her work with the Board of Higher Education and the Department of Education related to MCAS preparation programs. She has been the MCAS Coordinator since 2001 coordinating partnerships with the Lynn and Gloucester school systems. Her community college service includes teaching in the TRIO Learning Community, serving as team member of the ESL Career Institue, and particpating in the college's mentoring and service learning programs.
Kathy's article entitled Pathways Partners-The Road to MCAS Success will be appearing in the next issue of the Bunker Hill Community College's Journal.
Web Resources
National Association of Developmental Educators (NADE)
NADE seeks to improve the theory and practice of developmental education at all levels of the education spectrum, the professional capabilities of developmental educators, and the design of programs to prepare developmental educators. Developmental education is a comprehensive process that focuses on the intellectual, social, and emotional growth and development of all students. Developmental education includes but is not limited to: tutoring, personal/career counseling, academic advisement and coursework.
Questions or comments to kyanchus@northshore.edu.
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