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Khan, Veena

Title: English language support programmes at the University of the South Pacific

Author: Khan, Veena
Subject:  The University of the South Pacific|Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching
 English language|Study and teaching (Higher)|Oceania
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.42, vol.22, no.1, 2000
Collation: p. 37-52 ;

Abstract: The University of the South Pacific draws its students from one of the most linguistically diverse areas of the world. It is very much aware of the English language problems faced by its students who, on commencing tertiary studies, are required to deal with complex and linguistically challenging material and are often unable to do so competently. This paper looks at the linguistic background, difficulties and language needs of first year students, and the English language programmes that have been mounted to alleviate these problems. It evaluates these programmes, gauging their success in helping students bridge the gap from high school to tertiary studies, and considers additional measures that are required to improve the language support strategies currently in place.

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Title: The Fiji form 7 perscription and the language needs of first year tertiary students

Author: Mugler, France, Khan, Veena
Subject:  Academic achievement|Fiji
 Language and education|Fiji
 English language|Study and teaching (Higher)|Fiji
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.45, vol.23, no.2, 2001
Collation: p. 20-49 ;

Abstract: This article is based on a study of how well students in Fiji are prepared by the Form 7 English Prescription to cope with the English language skills required in their first year at the University of the South Pacific (USP). It includes an analysis of the four major language skills in the Prescription and in the English for Academic Purposes course at USP. The views of several high school teachers and USP lecturers from different departments were also sought. Both the Form 7 and the USP students surveyed, although acknowledging certain difficulties, rate their ability in writing, reading, speaking and listening quite high. Teachers and lecturers are less positive, citing many problems they see in their students’ work. Although the Form 7 prescription does introduce students to the language skills that will help them in their first year at university, there seems to be a need to expand sections most relevant at the tertiary level. There are opportunities for teachers to create innovative strategies using material within the prescription to offer their students more challenging tasks.

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