This module aims to support students in the development of English language and academic skills specific for international programmes. These students require 130 hours of guided tuition and 170 hours of private study in order to demonstrate the diverse range of linguistic skills required for a CEFR B2 or higher and/or the equivalent level for externally-provided international language tests (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE). The module will therefore focus primarily on the four language skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing) that are commonly assessed in international programmes and external language tests. Assessments are weighted towards the end of the academic year so that students are given time to develop sufficient linguistic proficiency to reach at least the CEFR B2 equivalency required to succeed on international programmes and in external tests, and to demonstrate linguistic proficiency to visa and immigration authorities. Estimates from various studies indicate that 150-200 hours of guided study would be required for students in our context to progress from low B2 to a robust B2 or higher, or the equivalent levels used by international testing systems. These skills will also enable students to function more effectively in their disciplinary studies and when moving to a foreign country to study, as well as their future academic and professional careers.
A Employ a range of listening strategies typical to common testing systems in order to extract meaning from graded, non-academic and academic listening materials, and from verbal interactions. B Employ a range of reading strategies typical to common testing systems in order to extract meaning from graded, non-academic and academic reading materials. C Communicate spoken ideas typical to common testing systems, using non-academic and academic situations, with appropriate fluency, complexity and accuracy. D Produce written responses typical to common testing systems, using non-academic and academic tasks, with appropriate coherence, complexity and accuracy.
Students will have 5 hours of guided tuition per week. The time is split into 2 categories: • Lectures (1 x 1 hour per week; synchronous) will introduce students to the skills and strategies needed for successful completion of international English language programmes. • Seminars (2 x 2 hours per week; synchronous) will provide students with structured, workshop-based practice of the skills and strategies introduced in the lectures. The delivery pattern will allow LOs to be met. Knowledge of skills and strategies learned in the lectures will then be applied and practiced during the seminars. The use of AI tools via Learning Mall will be implemented, thus allowing students to more effectively utilise their Private Study hours. Students entering this module will be mixed ability with a low CEFR B2 level of linguistic proficiency in some cases. They will therefore require focused and concerted linguistic input so that academic tasks may be satisfactorily completed. Teaching and learning therefore focuses on increasing linguistic input both inside and outside the classroom. The use of both lectures and seminars allows for different learning and teaching methods to be used.