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 aCommunicative 

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 approachencourages 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!