ERIC Number: ED447859
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 2000-Jun
Pages: 4
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
English as a Second Language: Program Approaches at Community Colleges. ERIC Digest.
Kuo, Elaine W.
This digest presents an overview of English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculum, discussing various approaches and assessment efforts at community colleges, and examining some current issues facing ESL instruction. Although the general goals of ESL programs are similar, instruction within community colleges is not standardized. Different approaches to structuring ESL programs have yielded the following: (1) a well-conceptualized ESL curriculum incorporates students' experience and provides a holistic approach to learning the course material including tips on how to survive the "culture of the academy"; (2) research on developmental curriculum and pedagogy have helped develop use of paired classes, language and computer labs, and distance education, with certified bilingual instructors teaching math, science, art, social sciences and English; and (3) trained ESL tutors can contribute greatly to students' success. Assessment efforts of ESL program performance are often complicated by a variety of program offerings and a diverse student body. Standardization between different community college programs is rare. ESL issues and challenges include awarding of course credit, course funding mechanisms, student access to financial aid and debate over which educational institutions should be responsible for providing ESL instruction. Contains 10 references. (PGS)
Descriptors: College Second Language Programs, Community Colleges, English (Second Language), Program Effectiveness, Second Language Instruction, Success, Two Year Colleges
ERIC Clearinghouse for Community Colleges, University of California at Los Angeles, 3051 Moore Hall, Las Angeles, CA 90095-1521. Tel: 310-825-3931.
Publication Type: ERIC Publications; ERIC Digests in Full Text
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: ERIC Clearinghouse for Community Colleges, Los Angeles, CA.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A