The Library
Widening participation and English language proficiency : a convergence with implications for assessment practices in higher education
Tools
Murray, N.. (2013) Widening participation and English language proficiency : a convergence with implications for assessment practices in higher education. Studies in Higher Education, Volume 38 (Number 2). pp. 299-311. ISSN 1470-174X
|
Text
WRAP_Murray_Neil Murray CSHE-2011-0064 FINAL.pdf - Accepted Version Download (402Kb) | Preview |
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2011.580838
Abstract
The widening participation agenda has important implications for those in Englishmedium higher education institutions responsible for the provision of English language support. Importantly, given the diverse nature of the ‘non-traditional’ student cohort that is the focus of this agenda, that section of the student population potentially requiring English language development extends beyond those students of non-English speaking backgrounds – traditionally the focus of such provision – to include native speakers of English whose language exhibits forms (dialectal characteristics) not necessarily in keeping with the expectations of the academy, or indeed the workplace post-graduation. In order to ensure that these students have access to language support resources that are squeezed by ever-present funding pressures, there needs to be a mechanism for identifying those most at risk due to weak language. This article considers some of the issues around the implementation of a post-enrolment English language assessment regime.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education P Language and Literature > PE English |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Social Sciences > Centre for Applied Linguistics |
| Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | English language -- Study and teaching (Higher), English language -- Examinations |
| Journal or Publication Title: | Studies in Higher Education |
| Publisher: | Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group) |
| ISSN: | 1470-174X |
| Date: | 2013 |
| Volume: | Volume 38 |
| Number: | Number 2 |
| Number of Pages: | 13 |
| Page Range: | pp. 299-311 |
| Identification Number: | 10.1080/03075079.2011.580838 |
| Status: | Peer Reviewed |
| Publication Status: | Published |
| Access rights to Published version: | Restricted or Subscription Access |
| References: | Adler, R., L. Rosenfeld and R.F. Proctor. 2004. Interplay: the process of interpersonal communication. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Alptekin, C. 2002. Toward intercultural communicative competence in ELT. ELT Journal 1, no. 1: 57–64. Bachman, L. 1990. Fundamental considerations in language testing. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Baik, C., and J. Greig. 2009. Improving the academic outcomes of undergraduate ESL students: the case for discipline-based academic skills programs. Higher Education Research & Development 28, no. 4: 401−16. Banks, M., and A. Olsen. 2008. Outcomes and Impacts of International Education: From International Student to Australian Graduate, the Journey of a Lifetime. International Development Plan (IDP) Education. Benzie, H.J. 2010. Graduating as a ‘native speaker’: international students and English language proficiency in higher education. Higher Education Research & Development 29, no. 4: 447−59. Birrell, B., and L. Hawthorne. 1996. Immigrants and the professions. People and Place 4, no. 4: 1−11. Bohemia, E., Farrell, H., Power, C., & Salter, C. (2007). Embedding literacy skills in design curriculum. Conference paper proceedings: ConnectED 2007: International Conference on Design Education, Sydney. http://www.connected2007.com.au/finalpapers/start.swf Accessed 5 January 2011. Bradley, D. 2008. Review of Australian Higher Education, Final Report, 2008. (Canberra: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations). Bretag, T. 2007. The Emperor’s new clothes: yes, there is a link between English language competence and academic standards. People and Place 15, no. 1: 13−21. Bright, C. and J. von Randow. 2004. Tracking language test consequences: the student perspective. Proceedings of the 18th International Development Plan (IDP) Australian International Educational Conference, 5-8 October, 2004. Sydney: Sydney Convention Centre. Retrieved January 30, 2009, from http://www.aiec.idp.com/pdf/thur%20- %20Bright%20&%20 Randow.pdf Brooks, G., and M. Adams. 2002. Spoken English proficiency and academic performance: Is there a relationship and if so, how do we teach? Celebrating teaching at Macquarie Macquarie University, NSW, 28-29 November, 2002. North Ryde, NSW.: Macquarie University. Canale, M. 1983. From communicative competence to communicative language pedagogy. In Language and communication, ed. J. Richards and R. Schmidt, 2–27. London, UK: Longman. Canale, M., and M. Swain. 1980. Theoretical bases of communicative approaches to second language teaching and testing. Applied Linguistics 1, no. 1: 1–47. Curnow, T. J., and A.J. Liddicoat. 2008. Assessment as learning: Engaging students in academic literacy in their first semester. In Proceedings of the Australian Technology Network Assessment Conference 2008: Engaging students in assessment, ed. A. Duff, D. Quinn, M. Green, K. Andre, T. Ferris, and S. Copland. Retrieved from http://www.ojs.usisa.edu.au/index.php/atna/article/viewFile/222/273 Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. 2009. Good practice principles for English language proficiency for international students in Australian universities. Accessed 28/10/09 from www.deewr.gov.au/HigherEducation/Publications/ Documents/ Final_Report-Good_Practice_Principles.pdf. Dunworth, K. 2009. An investigation into post-entry English language assessment in Australian universities. Journal of Academic Language & Learning 3, no. 1: A1−A13. Dunworth, K. 2010. Clothing the emperor: Addressing the issue of English language proficiency in Australian universities. Australian Universities’ Review 52, no. 2: 5−10. Elder, C. 1993. Language proficiency as a predictor of performance in teacher education. Melbourne Papers in Language Testing 2, no. 1: 72−95. Elder, C., and U. Knoch. 2009. Report on the development and trial of the Academic English Screening Test (AEST). Melbourne: Language Testing Research Centre, University of Melbourne. Elder, C., and J. von Randow. 2008. Exploring the utility of a web-based English language screening tool. Language Assessment Quarterly 5, no. 3: 173−94. Ferguson, G. 1996. Improving student writing: what can academic do? Centre for the Enhancement of Learning, Teaching and Scholarship: University of Canberra. Goffman, E. 1967. Interaction Ritual: Essays on Face-to-Face Behavior. New York: Doubleday Anchor. Harris, A. 2010. Addressing English language proficiency in a business faculty. In Educating for sustainability. Proceedings of the 19th Annual Teaching Learning Forum, 28-29 January 2010. Perth: Edith Cowan University. http://otl.curtin.edu.au/tlf/tlf2010/ refereed/harris.html Hybels, S., and R.L. Weaver. 2001. Communicating effectively. New York, NY: McGraw- Hill. Hymes, D. 1972. On communicative competence. In Sociolinguistics. Selected readings, ed. J.B. Pride and J. Holmes, 269–93. Harmondsworth, UK: Penguin. Jamieson, J., S. Jones, I. Kirsch, P. Mosenthal, and C. Taylor. 2000. TOEFL 2000 framework: A working paper. Princeton, NJ, Educational Testing Service. Johnson, P. 1988. English language proficiency and academic performance of undergraduate international students. TESOL Quarterly 22, no. 1: 164–68. Kramsch, C. 1993. Context and culture in language teaching. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Krause, K., R. Hartley, R. James, and C. McInnis. 2005. The first year experience in Australian universities: Findings from a decade of national studies (Melbourne: Centre for the Study of Higher Education, University of Melbourne). http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/higher_education/policy_issues_reviews/key_issues/ assuring_quality_in_higher_education/first_year_experience_aust_uni.htm (accessed 2 February 2011). Lea, M.R., and B. Stierer. 2000. Student writing in higher education: New contexts. Buckingham: SRHE/Open University Press. Lea, M.R., and B.V. Street. 1998. Student writing in higher education: an academic literacies approach. Studies in Higher Education 23, no. 2: 157−72. Lumsden, G., and D. Lumsden. 1997. Communicating in groups and teams: Sharing leadership. Belmont, CA:Wadsworth. Murray, N. 2010a. Considerations in the post-enrolment assessment of English language proficiency: Reflections from the Australian context. Language Assessment Quarterly 7, no. 4: 343−58 Murray, N. 2010b. Conceptualising the needs of first year university students. The International Journal of the First Year in Higher Education 1, no. 1: 55−64. Neumann, R. 2001. Disciplinary differences and university teaching. Studies in Higher Education 26: 135−46. North, S. 2005. Different values, different skills? A comparison of essay writing by students from arts and science backgrounds. Studies in Higher Education 30, no. 5: 517−33. Osborne, M. 2003. Increasing or widening participation in higher education? – a European overview. European Journal of Education 38, no. 1: 5−24. Pantelides, U. 1999. Meeting the needs of tertiary NESB students. Australian Journal of Language and Literacy 22, no. 1: 60−75. Pascarella, E.T., and P.T. Terenzini. 1998. Studying college students in the 21st century: Meeting new challenges. The Review of Higher Education 21, no. 2: 151−65. Pitman, T., and S. Broomhall. 2009. Australian universities, generic skills and lifelong learning. International Journal of Lifelong Education 28, no. 4: 439−458. Ransom, L. 2009. Implementing the post-entry English language assessment policy at the University of Melbourne: Rationale, processes, and outcomes. Journal of Academic Language & Learning 3, no. 2: A13−A25. Rex, L.A., & D. McEachen. 1999. If anything is odd, inappropriate, confusing, or boring, it’s probably important: The emergence of inclusive academic literacy through English classroom discussion practices. Research in the Teaching of English 24: 65−129. Sawir, E. 2005. Language difficulties of international students in Australia: The effects of prior learning experience. International Education Journal 6, no. 5: 567−80. Tonkin, A. 1995. English proficiency standards for overseas students: who needs what level? Journal of International Education 6, no. 3: 37−61. Warren, D. 2002. Curriculum design in a context of widening participation in higher education. Arts and Humanities in Higher Education 1, no. 1: 85−99. Watty, K. 2007. Quality in accounting education and low English standards among overseas students: Is there a link? People and Place 15, no 1: 22−29. Wingate, U. 2006. Doing away with study skills. Teaching in Higher Education 11, no. 4: 457–469. Wingate, U., Andon, N., & Cogo, A. 2011. Embedding academic writing instruction into subject teaching: A case study. Active Learning in Higher Education 12, no. 1: 69–81. |
| URI: | http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/50607 |
Actions (login required)
![]() |
View Item |
Tools
Tools

