ERIC Number: EJ1410274
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1918-2902
Lessons Learned from a Discipline-Specific Language Support Initiative for Multilingual Students (MLSs) in a Foundational Course in Health Sciences: A Mixed Methods Case Study from a Western Canadian University
Tun Myint; Breanna Fraser-Hevlin; Chris Niosco
Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, v14 n2 Article 15 2023
This mixed methods explanatory case study intends to explain low utilization of a joint initiative to improve language skills targeted to English as an additional language (EAL)/multilingual students (MLSs) in a disciplinary context. Considering the importance of discipline-specific language and literacy skills, a university health sciences faculty and an English language learning centre at a western Canadian University collaborated on a joint initiative to support EAL/MLSs. Language support services, such as an extra semester-long adjunct language tutorial, drop-in language services, and language support files uploaded on the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) were provided for students enrolled in a first-year introductory-level health sciences course. A comparison of a pre-test and post-test Post-Entry Language Assessment (PELA) revealed improvements in both writing skills and perceived language skills. However, the discovery of the underutilization of language support services prompted a sequential explanatory mixed methods case study to identify learners' reasons for low participation. Findings from the quantitative survey and qualitative interviews are shared along with recommendations for improving language support service utilization.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Multilingualism, Health Sciences, Introductory Courses, Writing Skills, Language Skills, College Students, Second Language Instruction
University of Western Ontario and Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Mills Memorial Library Room 504, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L6, Canada. Tel: 905-525-9140; e-mail: info@cjsotl-rcacea.ca; Web site: http://www.cjsotl-rcacea.ca/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A