Standards of English in Higher Education
Standards of English in Higher Education
The student demographic of universities today has changed quite dramatically from even a decade ago. As universities seek to internationalise, widen participation and derive attendant reputational and financial benefits, along with greater opportunities for research collaborations and industry links, they also face a growing challenge associated with what Neil Murray terms 'the English language question'. In particular, as the proportion of students of non-English speaking backgrounds entering universities increases, there is growing concern over levels of language proficiency and what this can mean for educational standards, the student experience and, ultimately, institutional standing. Standards of English in Higher Education unpacks a number of key and interrelated issues - for example, the assessment of proficiency and the structure and nature of provision - that bear on the question of English language standards, and in doing so offers a frank and critical appraisal of English language in higher education today.
- Draws together in a single volume a number of key and interrelated issues around English language proficiency in today's higher education context
- Provides a framework for ongoing discussion and debate on a critical area in higher education
- Highlights the potential tension between the maintenance of educational standards in higher education and the need to reflect an international orientation, widen participation and maintain financial buoyancy
Reviews & endorsements
"This book successfully brings together a number of issues related to standards of English in higher education in the UK and Australia, and addresses them in a forthright and accessible way. The contents are likely to generate considerable discussion and debate, as they reveal a situation that is complex, contested and under pressure to change. The book is undoubtedly a useful addition to the literature in this field."
Katie Dunworth, University of Bath
"While much has been written about the widespread use of English as the language of learning in higher education and its impact on student learning, little has been written about how to deal [with] it. This volume outlines succinctly the issues that need to be addressed in this multifaceted worldwide phenomenon and suggests ways forward, from classroom implementation to policy formulation. It is a must-read for researchers, practitioners and policymakers in higher education."
Amy Tsui, Hong Kong University
"This book represents a fascinating examination of the ‘English language question' in higher education internationally. It will be required reading for anyone concerned with tertiary-level English language provision."
John Flowerdew, City University of Hong Kong
"This timely book will be an invaluable resource for those in English-medium universities [who are] grappling with the multiple challenges involved in addressing the English language needs of their diverse student bodies."
John Read, University of Auckland
Product details
October 2017Paperback
9781108436434
313 pages
230 × 153 × 16 mm
0.46kg
2 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. The 'English language question' in the context of the changing face of higher education
- 2. English language: the need for and impact of policy and regulation
- 3. Seeking definitional clarity: what is 'English language proficiency'?
- 4. Pre-enrolment language assessment and English language conditions of entry
- 5. Post-enrolment language assessment: challenges and opportunities
- 6. From assessment to provision
- 7. Innovation in English language provision: driving and navigating institutional change
- 8. Innovation in English language provision in higher education: an Australian case study.
