The British University in Dubai Aims to Narrow the Separation Between Concept Understanding and Inaccurate Linguistic Expression
Open Public Lecture to Take Place on 18 September
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Educational experts across the Middle East are placing increasing importance on effective communication in the classrooms, says senior academic at the British University in Dubai, the region's leading post-graduate university.
Many educational associations have been reviewing the importance of encouraging proficiency in academic writing, especially with higher educational courses where non-native English language speaking students pursue specialised degrees that use English as the key language medium.
"Taking a degree at a Masters level is a big commitment in terms of the dedication and the amount of study required, but it also requires students to deploy a certain level of linguistic skills throughout the program," said Dr. Abdullah Al Shamsi, Vice Chancellor at the British University in Dubai.
In an effort to explain to teachers the difficulties students often face because of language barriers, BUiD, will host senior education expert Professor Stuart Campbell from the University of Western Sydney, who will discuss studies and feedback from experts who have observed student's work, especially in cases where students speak English as a second or foreign language
"Academics worldwide often understand the 'gap' in communication while reviewing assessment papers," said Dr. Mick Randall, Dean of the Faculty of Education at BUiD.
In particular, research conducted by The British University in Dubai (BUiD) suggests that some students - particularly those studying a subject in a language other than their mother tongue - struggle at the highest levels without specific skills support.
Randall added, "In the UAE, it is common for non-native English speaking students to pursue degrees from foreign universities that use English language as a primary medium for communication. It is fundamentally important for these students to understand that in order to achieve a proper level of education where they can be 'compared' to native English speaking students, they need to display consistent academic and linguistic skills."
While companies and industry observers analyse the growing significance of proficient English language skills, educational bodies and higher education institutions have also been reviewing teaching methods and tools used to encourage linguistic skills among students.
Teachers are being asked to frequently review subject matter discussed in class to monitor how much students are grasping or benefitting from lectures. Through this frequent assessment, both teachers and students can determine if there are significant gaps in understanding of concepts due to language barriers. Students need to be aware of the problems they face in effectively understanding disciplines and seek the assistance of language support universities offer.
Some academics maintain that assessing language competency is not the responsibility of specialised subject teachers, however there is a growing segment of teaching professionals who believe monitoring the language competency of students should become an integrated tool for any qualified and practising academic.
Professor Campbell's lecture will also evaluate the difference between initiatives in the UAE to encourage linguistic competency in comparison to other regions where English is primarily the mother language, such as Australia.
A similar study conducted at the University of Western Syndey found that academic staff had different views on whether as subjects specialists they should comment on or correct students' English.
Several leading government organisations and multinational companies have employed English language teaching programs in recent years as part of their employee training programs.
Following an increasing demand in recent years for a master's degree and English language courses, BUiD recently conducted a series of 'English for Academic Purpose (EAP)' courses that was aimed at improving English language skills for academic and professional use, while pre-masters workshops covered topics such as learning styles, referencing, searching the internet, finding information and taking notes.
The open public lecture will take place on Thursday, 18th September 2008 at the BUiD auditorium between 1:00pm -2:30pm.
For more information on registration and timings please visit the BUiD website: www.buid.ac.ae.
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About The British University in Dubai
The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is the Middle East's first research-based, postgraduate university. The University was established to facilitate access to world-class education, training and research in the Middle East. BUiD aspires to the highest, internationally recognized British standards as reflected in its partnership with the University of Edinburgh, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, Cardiff University and the Cass Business School at City University, London. Each has a five or five-star rating in the UK national Research Assessment Exercise that signifies research of international standard.
The not-for-profit university offers full and part-time Masters Degree programmes and Continuing Professional Development courses in Information Technology, Project Management, Human Resources Management, Sustainable Design of the Built Environment, Finance and Banking, Education, and IT Management.
All BUiD's current Masters Programmes have received Initial Accreditation Eligibility Status from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's Commission for Academic Accreditation.
The founders of the University are the Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, Rolls-Royce, the British Business Group and the National Bank of Dubai. The University is governed by a Council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The Emirates Group, DUCAB, Atkins, Dubai Duty Free, Hyder Consulting, the Emirates Foundation and DUGAS are supporters of the university through financial contributions or the provision of scholarships. For further enquiries call BUiD on +971 4 391 3633.
© Press Release 2008
