Abstract Content (up to 300 words recommended)
Since the introduction of the Higher Education Standards Framework in late 2011, many higher education institutions have developed strategic plans for addressing the English language learning needs of all students. However, practices can be fragmented and not considered as core business within learning and teaching. The challenge for institutions is in identifying, monitoring and evaluating best practices for English language approaches. There is little publicly available information that can guide institutions towards best practice approaches and effective strategies for monitoring and evaluating those approaches. This project, funded by the Office for Learning and Teaching, aims to produce resources to strengthen the evidence base for English language practices in Australian higher education. It will engage with the sector and produce a framework, case studies and practical resources that will guide institutions in strengthening their English language practices.
The project has three main phases: (1) the development of a draft Framework for English language practices in Australian higher education, based on multiple sources from the literature, OLT/ALTC projects and interviews; (2) State-based workshops enabling extensive engagement across the sector; and (3) the preparation and dissemination of resources to support universities and other higher education providers.
This presentation will outline findings from the project.
Addressing the theme/s of the Conference (up to 200 words recommended)
Australian universities state that communications skills are important graduate attributes yet there are perceptions within the community that some graduates lack the necessary skills required for employment. As a result, many Australian higher education institutions have developed a number of practices to address the English language learning needs of their students, a key component of communications skills and the aspect most targeted by detractors.
This project, funded by the Office for Learning and Teaching, will produce resources to strengthen the evidence base for English language practices in Australian higher education. In the initial stage, multiple sources from the literature, OLT/ALTC projects and interviews will inform best practices, along with processes for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of English language programs. A Framework for English language practices in Australian higher education will be developed in the initial stage, fine-tuned following State-based workshops involving a range of stakeholders from both within and outside higher education, and used as the basis for the production and dissemination of resources, including an authoritative and accessible analysis for developing best practices for all students.