Analysis and Revision, “English for Engineers” Program at Herat University, Afghanistan Beth Richards M. Saleh Keshawarz Hisham Alnajjar University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT

Background Partnership between University of Hartford, College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture and Faculty of Engineering, Herat University Under the framework of the Strengthening Higher Education Program (SHEP) supported of the Ministry of Higher Education, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan supported of the Ministry of Higher Education, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan funded through a grant from the World Bank. funded through a grant from the World Bank.

Background, continued Partnership areas of development (focus of all higher education partnerships): Engineering, especially civil, for infrastructure repair and rebuilding Engineering, especially civil, for infrastructure repair and rebuilding Information technology Information technology English language development (to provide opportunities for advanced education) English language development (to provide opportunities for advanced education) Capacity building: leadership, higher education administration, network and other IT security Capacity building: leadership, higher education administration, network and other IT security

Goals of the Herat-Hartford Partnership Provide opportunity for Herat University engineering faculty to earn master’s degrees in CE (some with architecture emphasis) Revise civil engineering curriculum at Herat University Develop technical, computer, and laboratory capacity Evaluate the “English for Engineers” curriculum and develop technical writing course for fourth- year students

Language Background: Students at Herat University Students in first-semester course—English background ranges 2 months to 6 years All science/engineering texts in English

Material Taught vs. Skills Required Material taught: First-semester “international English” text focusing on vocabulary, grammar, and acculturation to life in the United States (reading level grade 1.9) First-semester “international English” text focusing on vocabulary, grammar, and acculturation to life in the United States (reading level grade 1.9) Grammar drills using Azar text Grammar drills using Azar text Skills required: Introduction to Engineering text (reading level 14.1) Introduction to Engineering text (reading level 14.1) Additional English texts for mathematics, physics, geology (average reading level: 12.5) Additional English texts for mathematics, physics, geology (average reading level: 12.5)

Revision, Step 1 Focus on reading Locate variety of literature on basic science concepts Change in state of matter Change in state of matter Heat transfer (radiation and conduction) Heat transfer (radiation and conduction) Locate material on civil engineering concepts Hard and soft water Hard and soft water Waves Waves Purifying drinking water Purifying drinking water

Revision, Step 1, continued All readings emphasize building of science- and engineering-related vocabulary emphasize building of science- and engineering-related vocabulary use concepts familiar in primary language to facilitate additional language acquisition use concepts familiar in primary language to facilitate additional language acquisition

Revision Step 2 Adapt course materials to widest possible range of student background and preparation English 110-A: Grade levels 2-4 English 110-A: Grade levels 2-4 English 110-B: Grade levels 5-7 English 110-B: Grade levels 5-7 English 111: Grade levels 8-11 English 111: Grade levels 8-11 Place students according to number of years of English study in secondary school and/or placement test (in process)

Revision Step 3 Place grammar learning in context Select essential grammar points Select essential grammar points Make grammar learning functional, rather than comprehensive Make grammar learning functional, rather than comprehensive Key all grammar concepts to science- and engineering-related reading Key all grammar concepts to science- and engineering-related reading

Work Completed Summer 2008 Analysis of program status Development of student texts for English 110 (a +b) and 111 Weekly readings, reinforcement exercises, and writing prompts Weekly readings, reinforcement exercises, and writing prompts Instructor materials, syllabi, course plans Instructor materials, syllabi, course plans Exploration of partnership with English Literature faculty, Herat University

Work Completed as of Summer 2010 Revision of first and second semester texts Technical writing text specifically for engineers Continued development of third semester text MP3 “library” for listening/comprehension skills

Work Currently in Progress Additional course materials for students and instructors (English 210, additional exercises, especially writing assignments) Method to place students appropriately (including “test out” of first-semester course) Assessment method to evaluate outcomes (reading and writing skills) Incorporating pedagogical skills of instructors from English Language department

Professional Development Herat University English Literature instructors: one month professional development at University of Hartford, February Focus on education of EL teachers (pedagogy, course management, research)

Challenges That Remain Finding assessment and testing that is sustainable and appropriate Developing and producing permanent course materials Updating course materials Managing class size Providing instruction on technical and other writing that is appropriate and relevant

Many thanks for our colleagues at Herat University for their hospitality and support.