Course Overview for Instructors

This is Arabic Level 1, a beginner-friendly course designed to introduce students to Modern Standard Arabic. It requires no prior knowledge of Arabic and focuses on building foundational skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while also incorporating cultural learning.

Free OER Textbook

The course uses a free OER textbook hosted on LibreTexts:
Arabic Level One (LibreTexts)
This resource provides structured chapters with vocabulary, grammar explanations, cultural insights, and practice activities — all openly licensed, reducing costs for students.

Integrated ADAPT Platform & Grade Book Sync

For assignments and assessments, the course integrates the ADAPT platform, which allows for formative and summative practice aligned with the textbook. ADAPT gives immediate feedback, supports mastery learning, and helps track student progress on specific learning objectives.

Check the video to learn more about ADAPT.

Module Learning Objectives & Bilingual Overviews

Each module begins with a dedicated “Module Learning Objectives” page that clearly outlines what students are expected to learn, aligned with course and program outcomes. This is followed by a Module Overview page, which includes links to all key readings, practice activities, and assignments. Additionally, each module features a short video in both English and Arabic, giving students an accessible walkthrough of the chapter content and an explanation of what is expected in that module’s assignments. This scaffolds understanding and supports diverse learners, including heritage students and true beginners.

Highlights for Instructors

Key features for instructors include:

A communicative approach that emphasizes using Arabic in realistic contexts from day one
Early and consistent exposure to the Arabic script, with activities that build literacy and confidence
Integration of ADAPT, which provides instant feedback and automatically updates the Canvas grade book, reducing manual grade entry
Structured modules with clearly stated objectives, bilingual module overview videos, and easy navigation to the textbook and assignments
Focus on cultural competence, using authentic examples from various Arabic-speaking regions
Fully accessible, zero-cost materials that promote equity and reduce student barriers

Adaptability for Faculty

This course shell is designed to be easily shared or adapted by other instructors, with all resources clearly linked. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out at: hanaa.alkassas@gcccd.edu.