A model for implementing academic English lessons: Anadolu University case

Abstract

This study aims to provide a model used by Modern Languages Department of Anadolu University School of Foreign Languages, in order to implement Academic English courses as a result of a curriculum renewal project started in the 2014-2015 Academic Year. The curriculum renewal process started with the implementation of the needs analysis process that arose out of the problems experienced in the existing system. After gathering the opinions of the various stakeholders and identifying the needs of the learners regarding learning English at their departments, Academic English lessons were inserted into the programs as elective courses. Academic English lessons were designed to be implemented at 6 different proficiency levels (from A2 to B2+) with varying contents determined considering the needs of the learners according to their academic fields. This paper will explain the whole curriculum renewal process including how the syllabi, the materials and the evaluation procedures were determined, implemented and revisited based on the feedback gathered from the learners and the teachers. Academic English lessons’ addressing students’ needs revealed increase both in the teachers’ and the students’ motivation level as well as facilitating cooperation between language teachers and content teachers.