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Language background, proficiency in English, and selection for language development
Author(s) -
ChurHansen A
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
medical education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1365-2923
pISSN - 0308-0110
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2923.1997.00674.x
Subject(s) - selection (genetic algorithm) , english language , linguistics , language development , psychology , language assessment , computer science , natural language processing , medical education , medicine , artificial intelligence , mathematics education , developmental psychology , philosophy
With a diverse language background profile in an Australian medical student population, teaching interventions are necessary for students whose English language proficiency is not adequate for the study of medicine. This paper describes the screening of written and aural English language proficiency in 143 first year undergraduate students using a standardized instrument. Students identified as experiencing language difficulties were subsequently assessed by interview and allocated to faculty‐based Language Development Programme. Students with the greatest need for language support participated in a full 2 year programme. Those requiring less assistance were offered more limited support in the form of specific modules within the programme. Students allocated to the full programme were significantly weaker in language proficiency compared to those offered specific modules and those not offered a placement. The information gathered during the structured interview is valuable in establishing for medical educators specific areas in which language‐related teaching for students who require it can be directed. Future research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of faculty‐based language interventions in terms of improvement in language proficiency over time and the effect of any improvements in language proficiency on academic and clinical performance.