Integrating English-in-the-discipline for the 4-year new undergraduate curriculum in Hong Kong

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate an English-in-the-Discipline (ED) course for disciplinary-defined group of learners in the University of Hong Kong for the 4-year new undergraduate curriculum. An ED course is considered to be a course that introduces students to relevant academic English discourse in which to support their disciplinary learning. The overall goal of the presentation is to consider how the ED course is embedded into the discipline to empower students to integrate and transfer relevant English skills in Educational Studies. The presentation also evaluates how the curricular model enhances English teaching and learning as students engage in their discipline. The challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the course are also discussed. The project outcomes such as course templates, developed resources and procedures have immense learning potential for being transferred to other foundation courses within other programs in the Faculty of Education (cross-disciplinary) and to other faculties (University-wide) to benefit diverse learners. This research helps us critically evaluate how the development of ED curriculum has strong prospects for enriching students’ learning experience in their discipline. The research outcomes also inform us of any potential advantages of developing discipline-specific courses with relevant and specific input from Faculty members.