An integrated approach to teaching academic writing
Title
An integrated approach to teaching academic writing
An integrated approach to teaching academic writing
Keywords: Academic writing; preparation program; primary and secondary research
Authors
Neil Heffernan
Hiroshima Shudo University, Japan
Neil Heffernan
Hiroshima Shudo University, Japan
Bio Data
Neil Heffernan, Ph.D., has taught EFL in Japan since 1995 and is currently a lecturer at Hiroshima Shudo University. His research interests include testing/evaluation, CALL and materials development. He is the author of two textbooks for Japanese learners of English.
Abstract
This paper outlines an academic writing course that was taught in Japan to 100 students who took the course as a precursor to a study abroad program at the University of British Columbia, Canada. The steps taken to ensure that the students would be properly prepared for their academic life in Canada and their study abroad experience as a whole are also delineated. The results demonstrate that upon returning from an 8-month stay in Vancouver, the students showed a dramatic improvement in their writing abilities. Indeed, they displayed not only high writing abilities, but the ability to maintain solid grades in their other courses while in Canada. Finally, overall enjoyment of the course was deemed to be extremely high, further adding to the students’ satisfaction with the program.
This paper outlines an academic writing course that was taught in Japan to 100 students who took the course as a precursor to a study abroad program at the University of British Columbia, Canada. The steps taken to ensure that the students would be properly prepared for their academic life in Canada and their study abroad experience as a whole are also delineated. The results demonstrate that upon returning from an 8-month stay in Vancouver, the students showed a dramatic improvement in their writing abilities. Indeed, they displayed not only high writing abilities, but the ability to maintain solid grades in their other courses while in Canada. Finally, overall enjoyment of the course was deemed to be extremely high, further adding to the students’ satisfaction with the program.
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See pages 226-248
[/private]Category: Main Editions, Volume 8 Issue 3
