The increasing number of non-English speaking background (NESB) students
(from both Australia and overseas) has led to concerns about the appropriateness
of English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at upper secondary level as a
preparation for tertiary study. These concerns have been voiced at both upper
secondary and tertiary levels. It appears that NESB students' English language
levels at Year 12 are a critical factor in determining whether or not they will
succeed at tertiary study. On the other hand, they at times achieve high levels of
competence in mainstream subject areas which are not reflected in their ESL
results. Several other factors may also affect NESB students' tertiary success
rates e.g. language and cultural background, and length of time in Australia. In
addition, the responses of tertiary institutions to such students and their needs
may be of importance.
This study surveys the backgrounds and success rates of NESB students from
an ACT secondary college who moved into tertiary study programs. It
investigates their results in their Year 12 Certificates and traces them through
three years of tertiary study. In doing so, the study identifies certain factors
which appear to impact upon the students' success rates.
Results obtained may prove beneficial to ESL service providers at upper
secondary level. Furthermore, tertiary institutions may find such an analysis
helpful in assisting them to develop appropriate approaches to meet the needs of
this particular group of students.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218854 |
| Date | January 1992 |
| Creators | Cornish, Audrey, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Audrey Cornish |
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