Innovation in University-Based Intensive English Programs: From Start to Future

This book explores the past, present, and future directions of innovation in US-based Intensive English Programs (IEPs), which provide international students with an immersion-style environment for learning academic English. It highlights the unique positioning of IEPs within higher education and emphasizes the ways in which practitioners can influence their host institutions and beyond.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2023
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

This book delves into the past, present, and future trajectories of innovation within US-based Intensive English Programs (IEPs), which serve as immersive learning environments for international students seeking to acquire academic English skills before pursuing full-time college or university degree programs. While IEPs often serve as hubs for pre-service teacher preparation, curricular experimentation, and research, there is a scarcity of published work that critically examines the benefits and challenges of these programs. The chapters in this book offer a comprehensive perspective on this niche sector of the English language teaching industry, showcasing the diverse ways in which IEPs have impacted and continue to influence the broader domains of Applied Linguistics and TESOL. They underscore the distinct position of IEPs within higher education and explore the various ways in which IEP practitioners can exert influence on their host institutions and beyond.

The book begins by tracing the historical roots and evolution of IEPs, highlighting their emergence as a response to the needs of international students who require specialized language training to succeed in academic settings. It explores the various models and approaches adopted by IEPs, including the traditional classroom-based model, the hybrid model that combines online and face-to-face instruction, and the intensive model that focuses on intensive language acquisition.

The next section delves into the impact of IEPs on the broader fields of Applied Linguistics and TESOL. It examines how IEPs contribute to the development of language teaching methodologies, language assessment tools, and curriculum materials. It also explores the ways in which IEP practitioners can engage in research and scholarship to advance the field of Applied Linguistics and TESOL.

The book further examines the challenges and opportunities faced by IEPs in the contemporary context. It discusses the increasing demand for English language proficiency among international students, the changing demographics of the student population, and the evolving nature of higher education. It also explores the role of IEPs in promoting cultural exchange and understanding between students from different backgrounds.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the past, present, and future directions of innovation within US-based Intensive English Programs. It offers valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of these programs, and highlights the ways in which IEP practitioners can influence their host institutions and beyond. The book is a valuable resource for educators, researchers, and policymakers interested in the field of English language teaching and learning.

Dimension: 234 x 156 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800414440