helping students write after esl 2
TRANSCRIPT
Leo Schmitt CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College/Graduate
CenterDonna Drewes
New York University
Overview Rationale
Needs Analysis
Founding a Program
Ancillary Support
Writing Tutors
Academic Enhancement Sessions
Faculty Outreach
Challenges
Q & A
Rationale Massive growth in International Student Population
(500 % in four years)
Unevenly prepared content faculty
Questionable integrity of standardized language tests
Disconnect of international student expectations and reality
Major discussion of the maintenance of standards
Needs Analysis Faculty expectations of linguistic and cultural skills
diverge widely
Student expectations of support and engagement high
Administrative understanding of the challenges limited
Conclusion: The challenge extends far beyond just writing
Five areas of support Social and Cultural Support
Global Network Representatives Program
One-on-one Writing and Language Tutoring
Academic Enhancement Program
Faculty Support and Training
Social and cultural support
Pen Pals International
A support group led by an experienced teacher focused on presenting writing as a tool for empowerment
Exploring text as a means to build up intrinsic motivation in students
Community support for writing goals
An opportunity to socialize and make friends
Social and cultural support
Intercultural Discussions
Community members introduce relevant cultural topics and then encourage student insights
An opportunity for students to take pride in and share their own cultural perspectives
An opportunity to practice speaking in a supportive, low stakes environment
An opportunity to socialize and make friends
Social and cultural support International Club
A student-run club that puts on social and cultural events for all School students
Events have included a Holi festival, a Mid-Autumn festival party, and an international game night
All events are student-driven and student-run, so offer a chance to get involved and take on leadership positions
An opportunity to socialize and make friends
Social and cultural support
Referral and Support
NYU is a big university with many services
Often overwhelming and impersonal for students
It can be hard to know how things work in another country or to know what you should do
The center offers a place where dedicated staff respond immediately to virtually any student concern
Global Network Representative (Buddy) Program A program to put students in touch with other
students who can help one-on-one
A great way to make friends
Meet students from the United States or their country who want to help
Continuing students can volunteer to help a new student feel at home, giving a sense of purpose and value
Language Tutoring
Work with a professional tutor one on one for one hour.
Can help with writing, speaking, reading, listening.
Book in advance or try walking-in.
Book in person at the Center or by e-mail
Language Tutoring The Process
The Variety of Students
Different Levels
Different Cultures and Languages
Different Academic Needs and Styles
Academic Enhancement Program Built by marrying needs with faculty skills
Instructors are specialists in their field
Great opportunity to improve skills
More support for students to improve in weak areas
Academic Enhancement Program Academic Enhancement Sessions
College Skills
Writing
Speaking
Culture (Academic and General)
Technology
Also a forum for students to air concerns
Faculty Outreach Content Faculty very open to support and suggestions
Multiple presentations and discussions offered
Techniques for working with international students
Individual consultation and support
Challenges Start-up; No Blueprints
Reaching Students
Varied Disciplinary Needs
Varied Faculty Needs
Administrative Communication
Funding
Questions? Leo Schmitt
Donna Drewes