The Language Clinic: Peer Tutoring for On-going Language Learning

Abstract

This project aims to extend the successful English language peer tutoring system established in FHS to other faculties and schools. The system, known as 'The Language Clinic', is based on 'writing centers' popular in North American universities. It involves students with high English proficiency providing face-to-face and on-line consultations to their peers on course assignments. The system attempts to promote the integration of language improvement with students' regular coursework and to foster empowerment and a culture of literacy among students. In order to explore the possibility of transplanting this system to other faculties and schools, a pilot program will be established within at least one other faculty/school (Both the Faculty of Business and the School of Law have expressed interest in being considered for such a partnership). This extension of the Language Clinic will be modeled on the FHS system and receive administrative and logistic support from EDO and FHS, but, at the same time, will be designed to specially meet the needs of the students in the faculty/school in which it is established. The effectiveness of the program will be measured both qualitatively and quantitatively though such means as client surveys, focus group interviews, analysis of transcripts of consultation sessions, pre and post-tests of writing ability, and analysis of the effect of Language Clinic attendance on students' results on written assignments.