All lessons on this website were filmed in the UK, representing an English as a Second Language (ESL) context. Thus, all learners are surrounded by English in their daily life. Recordings were made at a university and at a college catering for 16+ age range in England. In order to protect participants' identity, the sites are not named.
University Setting
Two advanced lessons (Mags' and Sophie's lesson) were taken from a university context and filmed during a pre-sessional course, preparing students for degree study in a range of subjects at university. Students typically attend this intense course in order to fulfil language requirements for degree course entry, which characterises this as a high-stakes environment. The intensive course itself runs over 10 weeks, comprising academic listening, speaking, reading and writing, plus additional time for guided independent learning. The majority of students come from Asia, in particular Mainland China. The achievement target is IELTS 6.5
Listen to Mags describe the university setting, the course and the students
Mags on the pre-sessional from Julia Huettner on Vimeo .
College Setting
Altogether 6 lessons (Neil's and Emma's) were filmed at a college that offers a structured English programme to international students, covering pre-intermediate, intermediate and advanced levels (all represented on video here) and an IELTS exam preparation class. Students have to be 16 years or older, with the majority not being older than 19. The majority of students aim to join a UK college in order to take A-levels in a range of subjects, though there are a small number of students who join the classes for general language learning and do not attend or wish to attend a UK college. Students can join or leave the programme at any time.
Listen to Neil describe their college setting, the courses and the students