English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Study and Assessment mode

The English for Academic Purposes course is made up of 20 units of study, each of which is delivered over a week. Face to face classroom only.

Teaching methods include teacher directed and student-centred learning.  Delivery will be flexible taking into account the different learning styles, cultures and needs of students.  Macro-skills will be developed using communicative and integrated techniques.

A combination of the following delivery methods will be used: presentations, discussions, role-plays, oral presentations, individual and group instruction, audio visual materials, web-based research, online activities and independent research.

The students will use authentic materials, together with materials prepared specifically for language learning within the classroom.

Course outcomes (Learner outcomes)

The English for Academic Purposes course focuses on develop student’s academic English skills to prepare them for tertiary study.

The course is structured into two level, EAP 1 and 2.

EAP 1 bridges the gap between General English and Academic English and takes students using the Common European Framework (CEF) from B1 to high B1 (B1+). It is designed to help students learn intermediate-level English language skills, with a particular emphasis on academic vocabulary and grammar. It provides a good introduction to Academic English for those students wanting to continue their EAP study. It features thought provoking topics and develops the necessary skills required for university study – note taking, essay writing and presentations skills. It also provides strategies for undertaking research and dealing with unfamiliar academic vocabulary.

EAP1 introduces students to the characteristics of written and spoken academic texts. Students are guided towards developing relevant strategies for setting study goals and approaching these texts. From asking for help, understanding essay questions to planning essay paragraphs and listening for gist and detail, students have a wealth of opportunities to practice all core academic skills.

EAP 2 equips students with the necessary English language skills required for academic study at university or other tertiary level institutions, and takes students using the Common European Framework (CEF) from high B1 (B1+) to B2. Students are given further practice in academic study skills. There is also analysis of the characteristics of written and spoken academic texts, the development of the awareness of academic culture, as well as learning how to avoid plagiarism. There is also essay organisation, note taking, group discussion, the skill of writing references and paraphrasing texts. Students are given ample opportunity to practice and enhance all academic skills

Details of the key skills developed across both levels are as follows:

Reading:

Students will develop skills and strategies relevant to reading and understanding lengthy and complex texts in the context of study at a tertiary level. Skills and strategies developed will include:

• systematically building reading speed
• understanding organisation of text
• making sense of the text
• understanding gist
• locating specific information in long texts
• determining the relevance of texts to subjects and tasks
• extracting relevant information from text
• extracting relevant information from tables charts and graphs
• recognising purpose, generic structure and language features of specific written genres
• recognising attitude of writer

Writing:

Students will develop skills and strategies to construct written texts relevant to the demands of tertiary study. The text types/genres include descriptive and evaluative report, procedures and expositions. Skills and strategies to be developed will include:

• identifying the relevant genre and its requirements
• organising ideas appropriately
• distinguishing main from supporting ideas
• planning, drafting and editing writing
• note taking
• referencing
• summary writing
• vocabulary building
• spelling strategies

Listening:

Students will develop skills and strategies listening skills that enable them to understand the discourse of lectures and seminars. These will  include:

• understanding the topic
• understanding gist
• recognising the way a lecture/seminar is organised
• following instructions
• deducing the meaning of content
• extracting main points
• recording relevant information while listening

Speaking:

Students will develop speaking skills and strategies that enable them to participate effectively in the study context. Skills and strategies to be developed will include:

• understanding register
• questioning for clarification
• expressing agreement/disagreement
• expressing opinion
• expressing criticism (positive/negative)
• responding appropriately
• presenting information
• answering questions
• giving instructions
• asking for help
• leading a discussion

In addition to the macro skills, students will also learn learning strategies and research skills and learn about the Australian education system.

Learning skills and strategies appropriate to studying in the tertiary context include:

• identifying own language needs and goals
• establishing learning goals
• becoming familiar with methods and resources used
• identifying and assessing sources of information (eg library, counsellor, support teacher, internet)
• developing research skills
• using computer based research tools
• understanding and avoiding plagiarism
• organising learning and planning study time
• using study time effectively
• evaluating relevance of content and learning tasks
• assessing learning progress
• negotiating with teachers
• recording learning in an appropriate form
• using a computer for word processing/presentations
• working with others collaboratively/cooperatively

Developing an understanding of the Australian tertiary education system will include learning about:

• Australian attitudes about education
• entry requirements into tertiary institutions
• assessment procedures including examinations
• course content and organisation
• study requirements
• research requirements
• student support available e.g. student counsellors
• roles of lecturers and students
• teaching methodologies

Entry admission requirements

The pre-requisites for this course are as follows. English requirements at the beginning and end of each course are expected to align to the following: