07/11/2021
Perception is powerful.
So often learners view ESL conditions as a barrier to the degree or credential. As educators we know that learning a language as part of academic preparation is a process and involves hard work for the learner. It is too often seen by students as a “necessary evil” and it is not only until after our Academic English students graduate from EAP that they recognize the value of that investment. That is when students reap the benefits as they excel in their academic programs. However that initial perception is the challenge for language providers.
So at Trent, we took on the challenge of addressing both the problem of perception AND more importantly, the value of the investment. We took our existing English for University program and proposed to the academy that the courses bear academic credit. And the successful outcome of this project now means that students in the Trent-ESL: English for University program will now receive university credits for our two highest levels: one first-year credit and one second-year credit.
Students will still be able to add more credit courses as they previously could, and the result is that they complete 60% of their first year coursework while in ESL. By taking two credits over summers, they will complete their 4-year degree on track with less time spent outside of their academic program.
Students save time and money, and most importantly their hard work comes with a benefit that they can’t get anywhere else.
The Trent ESL-English for University is an intensive English language, academic skills and university transition program that provides a strong foundation for academic success at the university level.
