Bond English Language Assessment (BELA)

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperResearch

    4 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    This paper reports on an embedded post-entry language assessment, Bond English Language Assessment (BELA) at Bond University, Queensland. BELA aims to identify students with low communication skills in academic writing at commencement of their university studies in order to provide intervention strategies at an early stage to reduce the chances of academic failure. BELA is embedded into the curriculum of a core undergraduate subject, Core 1: Critical Thinking and Communication. It is a compulsory homework task completed in students’ first semester and has a 2% weighting attached to it. Students identified as having below satisfactory academic writing skills are strongly encouraged to attend appointments at the University’s Academic Language and Literacy unit, Student Learning Support, to gain feedback on their writing. During consultation, Learning Advisors provide advice and recommend resources and follow-up meetings to help students develop their written skills. Students’ BELA results are communicated to stakeholders at the University who can assist in raising awareness of the importance of students developing their communication skills. This paper reports on feedback from key stakeholders, including the students themselves.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages1-30
    Number of pages30
    Publication statusPublished - 25 Nov 2019
    EventThe Applied Linguistics Conference 2019 - Curtin University, Perth, Australia
    Duration: 25 Nov 201927 Nov 2019
    https://alaa.net.au/News/32191/The_Applied_Linguistics_Conference_2019

    Conference

    ConferenceThe Applied Linguistics Conference 2019
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CityPerth
    Period25/11/1927/11/19
    OtherThe 2019 biannual combined Applied Linguistics Association of Australia and the Applied Linguistic Association of New Zealand conference was successfully held at Curtin University in Perth, Australia in November 2019.

    Researchers, language professionals, and interested community members participated the three days conference in Curtin University. The theme of the conference ‘Applied Linguistics and Language teaching: Making connections” provides an opportunity for discussion about how links can be made between the two areas within Australia and internationally.
    Internet address

    Cite this