Assessing Business Communication Assignments of English-as-Second-Language Students

2002 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-42
Author(s):  
Stephen D. Lewis ◽  
Linda G. McGrew ◽  
C. Nathan Adams

As the US population becomes more diverse, the enrollment of English-as-Second- Language (ESL) students in colleges and universities continues to expand. This diversity may sometimes lead to problems for business communication teachers who must assess the written communication skills of students who may not be fluent in English. To address these problems, we conducted a nationwide survey of business communication teachers, soliciting input on how ESL students' written communication skills were assessed. Respondents were asked to identify areas where their assessments of ESL students might differ from their assessments of stu dents whose first language was English. Comparisons were made based upon teachers' gender, age, number of years of teaching experience, and geographic location where they teach. Although some grading leniency was shown toward ESL students in specific areas, generally the respondents indicated that they do not assess business communication assignments any differently based upon the stu dents' primary language usage.

1997 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Razika Sanaoui

A survey was conducted to describe professional characteristics of instructors teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to adults in non-credit programs in Ontario. This province-wide survey was the first data-gathering phase in a three-phase project leading to the establishment of a protocol and uniform standards for the certification of instructors teaching non-credit Adult ESL in Ontario. The study was initiated by the Teachers of ESL Association of Ontario (TESL Ontario) and conducted in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training. Findings provided detailed descriptions of professional characteristics of1,196 respondents, including their age and gender, educational backgrounds and professional qualifications, teaching experience, employment, conditions of employments, and opportunities for professional development. Professional issues of concern to the instructors and their recommendations for addressing these issues were also summarized.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Abisheganathan Jeevaratnam ◽  
Mahani Stapa

Previous studies reported that many low proficiency students have poor comprehension skills. Therefore, this research aims to study the cognitive reading strategies employed by ESL (English as Second Language) students and suggest appropriate cognitive strategies to be utilized by low proficiency students. This research was carried out in one of the secondary schools in Pasir Gudang, Johor. The purposive sample for this study consists of 60 Form 3 students (30 low proficiency and 30 high proficiency). Explanatory sequential mixed method design was used to carry out this research. The data collected via questionnaire, observation and interview for this research is analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse data gained from questionnaire and observation whereas for the interview data, extracts from the interviews were used to corroborate the findings. The findings reveal that the most common cognitive reading strategies employed by both group of students are skimming and translation. This research further highlights the most significant difference in reading strategies between both groups of students, which is, the high proficiency group outperformed the low proficiency group in overall strategy use, demonstrating the most frequent use of the strategies. Most prominently, in this research, the reading strategies that are deemed appropriate for the low proficiency students are highlighted. These strategies include four cognitive strategies; guessing, elaboration, summarizing and prediction.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 259
Author(s):  
Joseph Agofure Idogho

<p>Literatures have reveal that teaching English Language in a conventional classroom with all the available methodology hardly gives the students opportunity to use the language effectively or gain the competence and confidence of using the language in and outside the classroom and probably develop fluency in it: especially when English is a second language other than the learner’s language like the Nigeria situation. This paper thus opines that with the use of drama as a tool or technique in teaching English Language as second language; learners would be equipped with the essential skills of communication and gain fluency in the language. This paper therefore explores the array of models through which language exploration through drama is related to Language Acquisition theories. The paper examines the theories of Language acquisition to establish the relevance of drama-in-education to the domain of teaching and learning and probably language teaching. It further x-rays the mimesis concept of drama as a basis and model for language learning by explaining the three imitative models of language learning among humans as they relates to communicative activities: to prove the relevance of drama as a potent tool for fostering effective communication skills in English as Second Language Learners.</p>


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 547-553
Author(s):  
Ijadimine Olamide

Applied Linguistics is a field of interest to scholars because it depends on insights in other fields such as philosophy and psychology in the teaching of language. Hence, this paper considers a review of Applied Linguistics as an important course of study for English students in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions by considering the context of English as a Second Language(ESL) as an important factor that should guide Applied Linguistics as a course for the students. In addition, questionnaires were administered to students studying English to further shed light on the subject matter. Furthermore, it  provides added contribution to academic debate that borders on Applied Linguistics by recommending practicaldemonstration of theories of language and communication for the training of English as Second Language(ESL) students in Nigeria.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 74-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debbie Witkowski ◽  
Bruce Baker

Abstract In the early elementary grades, the primary emphasis is on developing skills crucial to future academic and personal success—specifically oral and written communication skills. These skills are vital to student success as well as to meaningful participation in the classroom and interaction with peers. Children with complex communication needs (CCN) may require the use of high-performance speech generating devices (SGDs). The challenges for these students are further complicated by the task of learning language at a time when they are expected to apply their linguistic skills to academic tasks. However, by focusing on core vocabulary as a primary vehicle for instruction, educators can equip students who use SGDs to develop language skills and be competitive in the classroom. In this article, we will define core vocabulary and provide theoretical and practical insights into integrating it into the classroom routine for developing oral and written communication skills.


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