More than Learning English? The Impact of University Intensive English Language Program Attendance on International Student Academic Achievement

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Bibliographic Details
Title: More than Learning English? The Impact of University Intensive English Language Program Attendance on International Student Academic Achievement
Language: English
Authors: Clark, Adam T. (ORCID 0000-0003-1759-6720), Lippincott, Dianna, Kim, Jeongeun (ORCID 0000-0002-3736-1446)
Source: Education Policy Analysis Archives. Mar 2021 29(43).
Availability: Colleges of Education at Arizona State University and the University of South Florida. c/o Editor, USF EDU162, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620-5650. Tel: 813-974-3400; Fax: 813-974-3826; Web site: https://epaa.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/epaa
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 24
Publication Date: 2021
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, College Students, Intensive Language Courses, Attendance, Foreign Students, Academic Achievement, Language Proficiency, College Freshmen
ISSN: 1068-2341
Abstract: This study frames intensive English language programs (IEPs) in institutions of higher education as potential vehicles for social justice among marginalized international students. In this study we examine the differences in academic achievement between international students who enter a university through an English proficiency test and those who pass through an IEP. We compared both populations through nearly 900 cases, out of a sample of 4888, who had similar language proficiency at the time of enrolling at a large research-intensive university in the Southwest of the United States. The results revealed great similarity between the populations of students indicating that as an intervention-style program, the IEP was successful in meeting the linguistic and academic needs of the students. The study also revealed potential implications for higher education policy in ensuring both program quality and benefit to students. The paper also raises issues of equity in terms of the lack of analysis in long-term outcomes for these types of programs compared to other interventions, the need for expansion of international student data collection by institutions of higher education and overall transparency in pre-university programs.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1322549
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study frames intensive English language programs (IEPs) in institutions of higher education as potential vehicles for social justice among marginalized international students. In this study we examine the differences in academic achievement between international students who enter a university through an English proficiency test and those who pass through an IEP. We compared both populations through nearly 900 cases, out of a sample of 4888, who had similar language proficiency at the time of enrolling at a large research-intensive university in the Southwest of the United States. The results revealed great similarity between the populations of students indicating that as an intervention-style program, the IEP was successful in meeting the linguistic and academic needs of the students. The study also revealed potential implications for higher education policy in ensuring both program quality and benefit to students. The paper also raises issues of equity in terms of the lack of analysis in long-term outcomes for these types of programs compared to other interventions, the need for expansion of international student data collection by institutions of higher education and overall transparency in pre-university programs.
ISSN:1068-2341