Transcript Factors Enhancing the Competitiveness of University

Factors Enhancing the
Competitiveness of University
English Language Departments
Robyn Ann Bantel, Ph.D
ESL/EFL academic “bridge” courses (combining discrete
instruction in language and/or a content area such as
sociology, international relations, or history) prepare
students for:
•English medium (and non-English medium) academic
courses
•international careers
•international scholarship
•participation in knowledge-based society
The university and the ESL/EFL department
director must ensure that:
•students are taught the skills they need to
communicate effectively in English and reason
independently so that they have the learning
strategies to cope with academic demands;
•the instructors, who teach these skills and
strategies (both local and internationally
recruited), are well-trained and supported with
adequate resources.
This is accomplished by adopting a
Communicative
approach to language teaching and learning
with a focus on functional and productive
language skills.
The communicative approach
results in faster language acquisition
than the grammar-translation
or audio-lingual methods.
The communicative approach
encourages active participation in class.
• The communicative method works best in small
classes with instructors trained in the methodology
• University competitiveness is linked to smaller class
size
• Critical Thinking Skills
• The second key to successful English academic
preparation
• The communicative approach leads students
to active participation in class, which builds
critical thinking skills—necessary to academic
success.
Professional Development of Local
Faculty & Careful Recruitment of
International Faculty
• The third key to ESL/EFL department success
• ESL/EFL Departments should consider the
optimal ratio of international to domestic
instructors.
• Aim for the right blend.
• International instructors bring not only new
teaching methods to their classrooms but also
their cultural values.
Resources
• The fourth key to ESL/EFL department success
A strong and effective ESL/EFL department
attracts students!
Thank you for attention!