Dear Caroline
I think there is a clearly established line about academic standards and
expected standard of English required for study at a UK University, if
the students who do not have English as a first language do not achieve
the required standards their marks will reflect this. What happens next
is a question for the individual University to consider its recruitment
and selection practices and possibly the support it offers to
International students by way of study skills, academic writing etc.
Berry's scenario is interesting but I think different from what you are
asking.
I hope this helps, I'm not sure it does.
Chris Baxter
Diversity Officer
Student Services
-----Original Message-----
From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Caroline Old
Sent: 02 October 2008 09:18
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: English as a second language - assessment methods
Dear Colleagues,
I wonder whether you may provide any guidance on a query I have received
from one of our academics.
'We had a cohort of students who were given a 1000 word assignment. Some
of the students who do not have English as a first language struggled to
write the assignment as well as those who have English as a first
language. Obviously this has implications on the marks given to the
work, as in this instance some students simply couldn't put together a
coherent argument. This then led to a situation where a group of
predominantly international students felt that it was unfair that they
had lower marks than the predominantly UK students. Conversely, we also
had UK students who felt that it was unfair that they should receive the
same marks as a group of students who they perceived to be less able
than themselves at writing an essay!
In summary, where do we stand on marking down students who don't have
English as a first language, if their English is poor enough that they
find it difficult to write a coherent essay?'
Many thanks, any experience would be greatly appreciated,
Caroline
Caroline Old
Equalities Officer
Human Resources
Southampton Solent University
East Park Terrace
Southampton
SO14 0YN
Tel: 02380 319631
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Please note that my usual office hours are 08:15-17:15 Monday- Thursday.
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