AN ANALYSIS OF CHANCELLOR COLLEGE’S LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS COURSES IN RELATION TO THE CONCEPT OF ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES

Abstract

The study aims at analyzing Language and Communication Skills (LAN) courses at Chancellor College and examine how they fit in the concept of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) in which they are framed. The practicality of LAN courses is problematic in that EAP courses put discipline specificity English Language Teaching(ELT) ahead of all factors of language teaching considerations, however, the courses at Chancellor College are classified according to programmes, and they are taught to first years that are doing a varied combination of courses within the programmes. An evaluation of LAN courses in line with the language teaching situation at Chancellor College was therefore required and has been done by the study. The study is based on results of a survey conducted on students, LAN lecturers and lecturers of mainstream courses. The research employed several tools: self administered questionnaires, oral interviews. Documents pertaining to the teaching and establishment of LAN courses were examined. The study revealed that LAN courses are not enjoyed by many students although the usefulness of the courses to the students’ academics is acknowledged. The conclusion is that discipline specificity that is called for in EAP courses can not be easily achieved with grouping by programme of study in the Chancellor College situation. A strong collaboration between LAN and all subject departments of Chancellor College is recommended if teaching of language and communication skills, that are specific to programmes, is to be effective and motivating to the students.