An Initiative in Developing Students' Academic Literacy through English Courses

Abstract

In this paper we will present our experience in developing an English in the Discipline (ED) course for the Faculty of Education in the University of Hong Kong. In collaboration with the Faculty, we identify academic literacy as the learning outcome for Exercise & Health students. The outcome is operationalized in three related components in the course- basic research skills, report writing skills and academic presentation skills, all of which, with reference to the conjunct model for ED course development, are generated from a group research project. At the end of the course, students will also write a journal reflecting on their learning experiences. The proposed course which will help the students to prepare for their Final Year Project and other academic assignments has the advantage of offering students a more authentic practical experience and to target their 'just-in-time' English learning by applying the learnt skills within a group research project in relation to their professional practice and disciplinary study. The presentation will report the pilot of the design and delivery of this consolidated English course. It will also discuss how the course encourages commitment to students' discipline and address the challenges of curriculum planning, course implementation and (co)-assessment procedures.