University Access Courses (UAC)

Academic English Preparation

We want our students not to experience this at UCW!

Overview

• Introduction

• UAC Curriculum Design– Levels: UAC 010, UAC 020 & UAC 030

• English Language Proficiency Score Comparison

– Outcomes

– Assessment Criteria

– Resources

– Critical Thinking

• Conclusion (Q & A)

UAC Levels

• 3 levels: UAC 010, UAC 020 & UAC 030 (12 weeks each) (20 hours per week) (4 skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing)

• UAC 010: Entry level IELTS 5.0 or iBT (TOEFL) 60– Exit at strong B1+ or Intermediate + level of proficiency

• UAC 020: Entry level IELTS 5.5, iBT (TOEFL) 70 or UAC 010– Exit at strong B2 or Upper Intermediate level of proficiency

• UAC 030: Entry level IELTS 6.0, iBT (TOEFL) 80 or UAC 020– Exit at C1 or Advanced level of proficiency

English Language Proficiency Score Comparison

TOEFL iBT IELTS Academic CAEL Cambridge Exams CLB CEFR

120 9 90 CPE – A 12 C2

110 8 85 CPE – A 11 C2

105 7.5 80 CPE – B 10 C2

100 7 70 CAE – A 9 C1

90 6.5 70 CAE – B 8 C1

84 6 70 CAE – C 7 B2

80 6 60 FCE – A 6 B2

71 5.5 60 FCE – B 6 B2

61 5 50 FCE – C 5 B1

4.5-5 PET 5 B1

<4 KET 4 A2

Outcomes

• Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) ‘Can Do’ statements correlated with Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR)

• CEFR: Guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries

• Examples of ‘Can Do’ statements:• CAN give a clear presentation on a familiar topic, and CAN answer

predictable or factual questions• CAN present his/her own opinion, and justify opinions• CAN write an essay that shows an ability to communicate with few

difficulties for the reader. The essay shows a good organizational structure, which enables the message to be followed without much effort.

Assessment Criteria• Use of appropriate academic essay writing and presentation

conventions• Content based on a range of knowledge and originality of

thought• Logical organization and connected speech in the presenting of

evidence to support a stance taken• Seminar discussion techniques to encourage engagement by all

participants• Research skills, including competence in effective reading and

referencing• Range and accuracy in the use of appropriate grammar structure

and academic vocabulary• Reading and listening comprehension ability

Resources• UAC 010 – Core textbook: Oxford EAP (B1+) + Critical Thinking Materials

• UAC 020 – Core textbook: Oxford EAP (B2) + Critical Thinking Materials

• UAC 030 – Core textbook: Cambridge Academic English Advanced (C1)

+ Critical Thinking Materials (All three levels)

• Supplementary resources all levels

Critical Thinking

• International students from their home countries are often not taught to think critically– 5 of the 20 hours per week will be dedicated to critical

thinking

Example Skill Development Need: Active Listening

• https://www.youtube.com/v/cNA1278Y7ZM

Conclusion

• At UCW, we want to NOT have this happen: