As a result, teachers at the Foundation Institute believe that Linguaskill accurately assesses the students’ levels. According to one teacher, “When we used Linguaskill as a placement test, it worked. It works very well and placed students in the Cambridge levels properly.” The students are also very positive about the test, preferring the digital format to traditional paper-based exams. One student said, “It was the first time I took a computer exam, but that’s a great experience because for me I think it’s easier. Typing took less time than using paper. So, I found it easier in the writing test.”
A relevant and effective course
Once students begin the foundation course, they use the Unlock English Course. Unlock is a six-level, academic-light, paired skills course which will develop the skills they will need. One of its key features is its focus on developing students’ ability to think critically in an academic context. Students say the course has helped them to improve their English and critical thinking skills, and they also found it a valuable resource in preparing for their exams.
Teachers agree that the Unlock coursebook provided good instructional material, seeing improvements in students’ speaking and writing skills, and their ability to construct arguments. As one teacher said, “I really liked the Unlock books, the materials themselves. There’s a lot to work with.”
Unlocking the power of critical thinking
The foundation course at Nizwa University places great emphasis on fostering critical thinking skills in new students to prepare them for a fulfilling undergraduate experience. The students also believe that these are vital skills: 78% believe that these skills are important for their university degrees and 77% believe that they are important for their future careers. They value the opportunity provided by the foundation course to enhance these skills, and having completed the course, they report a better understanding and application of critical thinking in their studies.
Teachers also appreciate the critical thinking sections of the Unlock coursework. They believe the tasks promote effective teamwork and improve the content that students produce. One teacher explained, “The students learned how to weigh the arguments: which are strong arguments, which are weak arguments, how to recognise them, and not to take anything at face value.”
Motivated and engaged students – with strong results
Students are providing positive feedback about the course. After taking the foundation course, students report improvements in their ability to express views and opinions in English, participate in group discussions and give presentations. Importantly, their overall enjoyment of speaking English has increased. Most students say they can now express their opinions in English and feel confident articulating agreement and disagreement. They also feel confident in their ability to understand conversations, broadcasts or lectures in English.
Their views are reinforced by the results from the Linguaskill test students took at the end of the foundation course. These results showed significant improvements in scores across the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels, with some students advancing by one, two, or even three levels.
At a glance
Institution: Foundation Institute, Nizwa University
Location: Oman
How Linguaskill and Unlock are used: Linguaskill is used for admission to the foundation course, ensuring students are taught at the right level. Unlock is the main learning resource used during this course to improve English language and critical thinking skills. At the end of the course, Linguaskill is used again to ensure students are ready to move to the next stage of academic studies.
About the Foundation Institute, Nizwa University
Established in 2010, the Foundation Institute, Nizwa University aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need for their tertiary education. It provides a transitional year before they start their academic degree programmes, delivering courses in the English language, mathematics, digital literacy, and life and study skills.
unizwa.edu.om
About Linguaskill
Linguaskill is a quick and convenient online test to help higher education institutions and employers check the English levels of individuals and groups of candidates. Supported by artificial intelligence technology, it provides fast, accurate results and clear individual and group reports. Results are aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the international standard for describing language ability.
Linguaskill
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