EAP Project class, Sem. 2, 2011 The XJTLU EAP 2010 Student survey: What were the results?

Background XJTLU: ‘Western’ style (British) educational practices such as: –Task-based Learning –Smaller class/tutorial sizes –Emphasis on student autonomy Effect on students?

2010: Student questionnaire survey Designed to provide information for both students and staff. Evaluating the educational module

Purpose of the survey: 1. To obtain information: How much students learned in semester 1 Student study and self-study practices Student opinions of their studies Student – teacher interactions Student opinions on classroom materials

2. To identify ways to improve the syllabus 3. To identify areas for further investigation by the Staff-student Liaison Committee

Participants 1,658 first year students 98% Chinese nationality 2% international

The procedure Anonymous In-class questionnaire Presented by PowerPoint slides 50 questions MCQ-card answers

Generally satisfied with level of most new skills Various degrees of progress noted in all skills Students’ opinions of their new Academic skills

Areas of good progress Writing in general Essay structure General reading skills Academic vocabulary Following lectures Giving opinions

proof-reading paraphrasing essay planning referencing reading speed note taking Areas of least progress

All teacher-related questions received an average of over 4. received an average of over 4. Student opinion of teachers Most students felt that their teachers: Are responsive and approachable Explain tasks well Indicate when students should speak Give useful feedback

Frequency of self-study The majority of students need to improve their self-study habits: Percent of students reporting each rate: Never: 8.6% Seldom: 41.2% Sometimes: 40.1% Often: 8.7%

Most students study only sometimes or seldom Seldom

Opinions of books and materials Most useful: Teacher handouts ICE materials Least useful: ‘Grammar in Use’ textbook

Summary Teacher interaction Progress in most aspects of EAP studies The majority of the teaching materials Areas of student satisfaction

Two areas for review The ‘Grammar in Use’ bookThe ‘Grammar in Use’ book  Usefulness  Teaching methods Autonomous learning and organised self-studyAutonomous learning and organised self-study

Recommendations  Research into student attitudes Towards self-study Towards the ‘Grammar in Use’ book  More ELC and ICE materials

The End The End Any Questions?