NC.ESL-010 - Beg Conv Skills Everyday Needs - Dyan Collings Ralph

Introduction

My name is Dyan (it is pronounced like “Diane”). I am truly blessed because I love teaching English, and I live in Simi Valley with my wonderful family. I was born at Northridge Hospital and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. My first language is English, and I also speak Spanish and a little bit of Moroccan Arabic. My main jobs have been as a computer software programmer, a gym owner and nutrition and fitness instructor, and a teacher. Cultures have always fascinated me, and I graduated with a BA in Intercultural Studies. During college, I lived in Spain and Morocco for 6 months. It was incredible. But it was also painful because I couldn’t talk to anyone! It was there that I decided I wanted to help others learn English so that they could communicate and live a better life! 

I got a Master's degree in Education/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Cal State LA. For many years, my dream was to teach English to students like you. Now it has come true! I love to travel, and I have been to Mexico many, many times! I've also traveled to Spain, Morocco, Italy, and the Polynesian Islands. More than any other hobby, I love reading. I love books that entertain, inform, and enlighten me. In my free time, I love to ride bikes, walk, and hike with my family. We also enjoy watching TV and movies together.

Course Description

Hello and welcome to Beginning Conversation! This is a fun and exciting class to practice your speaking and listening skills in everyday situations. This course will help you improve your oral communication, listening comprehension, pronunciation, and vocabulary. We will speak on Zoom together about real-life topics such as school, family and friends, health and happiness, hobbies and interests, shopping and food, vacation and travel, time and events, work and jobs, daily living, free time, and much more! We will practice English by using role plays, dialogues, conversation questions, and games in pairs and small groups. You will work with other students to practice English in a safe and supportive environment. We will work as a family to help each other grow and succeed. Let's have fun!

What to Expect in this Course

Class Requirements and Instructor Expectations

• Students are expected to attend each class session and log on to Canvas regularly.
• Complete in-class assignments, homework, and participate in class activities.
• Listen when the teacher or your classmates are talking.
• Be respectful and courteous to everyone in the class.
• Arrive on time, and do not leave early.
• Speak English in class to the best of your ability.

Class Policies = RESPECT

• R-Respect everyone as teammates.
• E-Every student can help each other succeed.
• S-Surpass your goals!
• P-Phone use is disrespectful during class; limit yourself.
• E-Everyone is equal and can achieve their dreams.
• C-Come to class on time every day.
• T-Treasure diversity!

We will practice English using role plays, dialogues, conversation questions, and games in pairs and small groups. You will need a cellphone, laptop or tablet to connect to the class on Zoom. 

Types of Assessments

You will be graded on your attendance, participation, assignments, online discussions, and a final exam. You need 70% to pass. But don't worry, if you come to class, you will have no problem passing, because I will help you every step of the way! 

Other Relevant Course Information

This course develops beginning-level English listening, speaking, pronunciation, and vocabulary skills for conversational competence in social situations around everyday needs. 

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Exchange basic information.
2. Request information by asking practiced and some original questions on familiar and everyday topics.
3. Provide familiar, requested information by answering with practiced and some original sentences.
4. Follow and give basic directions.
5. Recognize and use basic formulaic language.
6. Pronounce and stress basic words correctly most of the time.
7. Improve understanding with conversational strategies.
8. Perform speech acts in a culturally appropriate way.
10. Integrate language skills in real-world situations.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 05/08/2025 Sub#: 1859 Sub ID: 183831