English as a Second Language (ESL) in British Columbia
Program Description
English upgrading program – IELTS test preparation
The intent of the program is to provide opportunities for students to upgrade their language skills in all four skill areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- and listening.
Two specific courses in the program offers an opportunity for students to gain specific knowledge and skills to attempt an IELTS examvor similar large testing system.
Program Framework
Students enter their first course of the program based on a diagnostic assessment and can move up to a higher course during the program duration. Students are assessed prior to course level placement and prior to progress to the next level.
Duration
Total program – 6 courses – 720 hours.
A student program/enrollment may consist of two consecutive courses from six possible options (120 hrs per course X 2 courses = total 240 hours).
Students can enroll in more than two courses if they choose.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program (final), the learners will:
- be able to use spoken English in a manner consistent with an IELTS Band 6.0
- be familiar with the IELTS Speaking Test, its structure and requirements
- have developed Listening and Reading skills consistent with an IELTS Band 6.0
- be familiar with the IELTS Listening Test, its structure and requirements
- be familiar with the IELTS Reading Test, its structure and requirements
- be able to use written Academic English in a manner consistent with an IELTS Band 6.0
- be familiar with the IELTS Academic Writing Test, its structure, its tasks and their requirements
Delivery Methods Indicate how the program is delivered.
On-site classroom delivery
Online delivery
Contact Hours: (each course) = 120hrs / 20hrsweek full time/ 6 weeks (or equivalence)
Online delivery
This program is offered through distance education (online). The education delivery for the program utilizes a range of methods.
Course delivery may include Asynchronous instruction:
- Pre-recorded lectures
- Microsoft PowerPoint presentations with or without voice- over
- Forums and discussion boards
- Email communication
- Google Drive and similar collaborative tools
And synchronous instruction:
- Streaming video platforms
- Live online interactions with the instructor, individuallyor course-wide
- Web conferencing
- Telephone availability
- Virtual office hours
- Email communication
Attendance Expectations
The instructor will direct/advise.
Online learning: Attendance for the course is based on evidence of keeping up with the course materials and instructor’s directions, participating in ongoing discussion posts, and submitting all required criteria used for evaluation
Attendance is tracked two ways – the first is (clock hours) via online attendance (ie zoom).
As part of the delivery methodology students are also required to participate in independent learning activities – for example, readings with questions, viewing relevant videos with assessments, and soon. Teachers estimate the number of hours these sorts of activities would take and credit the time to the clock hours. The instructor and administration keep a record.
Graduation Requirements
30% of the way into the course, the students receive written feedback on their progress, and that they receive both verbal and written feedback throughout the course.
To complete each course the student should successfully complete any formative and summative assessments to the determined level. Progress to the next level (course) is contingent on meeting the next level minimum band score on end-of-course IELTSPracticeExams. Retesting is allowed after a period of revision.
There is no graduation per se. The student will receive a certificate of completion.
Program Organization
| Name of Course | Hours per course | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IELTS 6+ test preparation | 120 |
| 2 | IELTS 5-6 test preparation | 120 |
| 3 | ESL upper intermediate (IELTS 5-6) | 120 |
| 4 | ESL intermediate (IELTS 4-5) | 120 |
| 5 | ESL pre- intermediate (IELTS 3-4) | 120 |
| 6 | ESL elementary (IELTS 2-3) | 120 |
Two courses constitute ‘one program’. For example a student program could be the ‘elementary’ course followed by the pre- ‘intermediate course’ (one program) – or – ‘intermediate’ followed by the ‘upper ‘intermediate’ course.
Career Opportunities
There are no specific career opportunities leading from the program; it is an English language/test preparation program.
Credential Awarded
Certificate of completion for each course.
Admission Requirements
A language test will be administered to determine the appropriate level of course entry. IELTS 2 to IELTS 6.
The approximate equivalent to other English evaluation tests may include Cambridge ESOL, Canadian Language Benchmarks, EF, TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL, and Track Test (CEFR) and similar.
A copy of government-issued identification Any applicants under 19 years of age require parents’ permission, as indicated on the application form.
Required Textbooks
Text books are listed in the course outlines.
Textbooks may be updated to most current editions.
Equipment required for this Program
There is no specific equipment required. There are no specific materials required for these courses/ all materials are provided by the college.
In class: Student supplies needed: Binder with dividers
- Loose leaf paper
- Pencils /Pens/Highlighters
- English/native language pocket dictionary (electronic is acceptable)
Text book purchase may be required. For online learning, students must have access to a computer (no older than 4 years), webcam, headphones, good broadband
Number of hours of homework a student can expect to have to complete
Up to 10 hours / week at times
Come And Visit Us
1713 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9S 1G8, Canada
