ESL courses in the USA are invaluable for international students. We asked Ed Moore, Director for the English Language Program at Pacific Union College about the ever-growing importance of learning English as a Second Language.
How do US universities and Colleges assess English proficiency of international students?
Colleges and universities in the United States are quite independent when it comes to assessing the English language proficiency of prospective international students. While most still rely on scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), some schools make use of other tests such as the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency, for example, or even their own institution-based instruments. There is also an increasing recognition of the SAT II: ELPT (English Language Proficiency Test). While some schools require a specific test, others will accept scores from any of a recognized group of standardized tests. Many institutions have a two-tiered system whereby a single standardized test score is accepted for admission purposes. Students who then fall below the established cut-off for unrestricted admission (no ESL requirement) are given a placement test to determine appropriate language development courses and levels.
Of course, not all schools provide ESL, and an applicant must simply meet standards for unconditional admission. Since there is no single standard for admission or placement, prospective students must contact the schools in which they have an interest in order to determine English language requirements and tools of assessment.
Why is it becoming more and more essential to learn the English language?
English is still the principle vehicle for international communication. This being the case, there are any number of good corollary reasons why it is becoming more and more essential to learn the English language. For example, the study-abroad phenomenon is an ever-growing one, with a vast majority of students heading for countries where English is the medium of instruction. Further, a global culture continues to develop based on shared entertainment, the Internet, and other forms of mass communication. The English language tends to be the key to participating extensively in this shared culture.
Then, of course, there is the realm of international business and commerce for which English remains the principle tool for communication. Of course, the English language is neither inherently better nor worse than any other language, albeit for a variety of historical reasons it has evolved into a lingua franca. Fortunately, we are moving away from the archaic notions that tie the English language to a particular colonial history, be it British, American or otherwise. Instead there is an emerging recognition of “world Englishes” and the many and diverse environments they reflect. While some adaptation to a different form may still be necessary for effective communication to take place, the shift is horizontal not vertical. In other words, English as spoken in a given community has its own inherent value. Like languages in general, it is neither better nor worse than that spoken elsewhere. These views allow us to pursue adaptive communication skills and strategies without losing a sense of who we are in the process.
If I choose to take an ESL course what areas of the English language will I be studying?
Most colleges and universities in the United States that have ESL programs tend to emphasize skill development in the areas of reading efficiency and comprehension, including vocabulary; writing for academic purposes; and listening comprehension. Obviously, these are the principle skills one needs for success in school. Some courses present an integrated approach to skill development, while others strongly emphasize a particular skill in a given class, i.e. reading, writing, speaking and/or listening. Colleges and universities tend toward the latter simply because an intensive focus on an area of relative weakness is more efficient in bringing students “up to speed” for their academic needs.
Will I be assessed through tests or continual assessment? Also what certificate will I receive in passing the course?
Once admitted to an academic English language program, a student’s progress may be evaluated in a number of ways depending on the policies of the institution. Of course, in most cases students are evaluated on the basis of their performance in a given class. Grading may be based in part on faithful participation in class meetings and activities and regular submission of assigned course work. Sometimes this participation in the “process” becomes the central criteria for successful completion of a given class. More often, however, process is combined with “product”, and more objective criteria are applied, such as performance on quizzes, tests, and other written or oral assignments. Occasionally, a type of “portfolio” is kept for each student. This contains samples of work from various classes and is evaluated over time. Some schools allow students to leave ESL based on successful completion of a set curriculum, “successful” being defined in different ways. Others have a “gate”, or target score on a standardized test, such as the TOEFL, that must be achieved before a student is allowed unrestricted admission to the general curriculum of the college or university. Certificates are often given to students completing ESL studies. These are honorary in nature and are in generally in recognition of effort put forth. However, they rarely carry the same weight as a score on a widely recognized and accepted objective test.
Whilst I am technically proficient in English I would like to freshen up on my English before I take my degree, is this possible?
Many international students come to the United States with high levels of proficiency in English as a foreign language. However, even at this level, some students feel that an initial focus on the language as used in the academic community of the target culture is well worth their time and effort. Many schools welcome and encourage students to participate in a type of “bridge” program that provides a language focus while at the same time giving students an opportunity to participate in academic courses that are relatively less demanding in terms of required language proficiency.
What are the advantages in taking an ESL course at the same university or college that I intend to study my degree?
There are many options in the United States for students who desire to improve their English language skills in order to prepare for a degree program in a college or university. Privately operated language schools abound, and there are numerous ESL programs associated with the extensive and well-developed community college (two-year college) system. In addition, most four-year colleges, as well as private and public universities provide ESL instruction. Many international students in the United States transfer to another institution at least once during their time of study. This happens, in part, because after being here for a while, they become more completely aware of the wide range of higher education options available in this country, and they see more clearly where their particular goals can best be met. This said, taking ESL courses at the college or university in which one ultimately hopes to study toward a degree holds some advantages. First, there is the value of being exposed to the institutional culture to see if there is a comfortable “fit” for the longer term. In addition, one can get a better sense of the quality of the academic department he or she has a particular interest in. Perhaps most important is the opportunity to immediately begin forming a network of friends and mentors that will provide important support during the time spent in studying abroad.
