ERIC Number: ED419405
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1997
Pages: 18
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Freshman English Programs for Non-English Majors at Universities in Taiwan: An Investigation into the Gap between Expectations and Reality.
Huang, Su-yueh
A study investigated the following: the types of freshman English courses for non-majors offered at Taiwan universities in 1995 and the attitudes of faculty, students, and graduates concerning the language skills emphasized; placement of students in classes; use of standardized teaching materials; and need for summer courses. In spring 1996, 178 freshman English teachers, 198 content area teachers, 382 university graduates, and 1,086 university freshmen were surveyed. Eighteen English Programs for Non-English Majors coordinators from 17 Taiwan universities were interviewed. Results indicate that the majority of teachers and graduates wanted reading skills to be emphasized, but freshmen and content teachers preferred listening and speaking skills. In the majority of programs, focus was on reading skills. Most respondents also favored placing students according to proficiency level, but only three programs matched this expectation. In addition, most respondents desired summer courses, but these were offered in only nine programs. However, most disapproved of standardized instructional materials, and this sentiment was matched by 15 programs. Findings point to the need for further curricular adjustment in the programs. (MSE)
Descriptors: Administrator Attitudes, College Freshmen, College Graduates, Course Content, Course Organization, Degree Requirements, Educational Objectives, English (Second Language), Expectation, Foreign Countries, Freshman Composition, Graduate Surveys, Higher Education, Instructional Materials, Language Skills, Needs Assessment, Nonmajors, Second Language Instruction, Student Attitudes, Student Placement, Summer Programs, Surveys, Teacher Attitudes
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A