2. Instructional strategies
I. LANGUAGE CONSIDERATIONS:
International students may encounter difficulty recognizing speech acts. “A speech act is an utterance that serves a function in communication. It might contain just one word, as in “Sorry!” to perform an apology, or several words or sentences: “I’m sorry I forgot your birthday. I just let it slip my mind.” Speech acts include real-life interactions and require not only knowledge of the language but also appropriate use of that language within a given culture.
Speech acts are difficult to perform in a second language because learners may not know the idiomatic expressions or cultural norms in the second language, or they may transfer their first language rules and conventions into the second language, assuming that such rules are universal. Because the natural tendency for language learners is to fall back on what they know to be appropriate in their first language, it is important that these learners understand exactly what they do in that first language to be able to recognize what is transferable to other languages. Something that works in English might not transfer in meaning when translated into the second language.” What is Speech Act?
Because English is not the first language for many international students, instructors should be familiar with the writing support, including tutorship and feedback on papers, through The Learning Centres at KPU Writing support.
How to make language accessible?
II. GROUP WORK:
Group assignments are an important part of many courses taught in the Faculty of Arts. However, not all students arrive at KPU well versed in the social and cultural norms that enable them to successfully collaborate with their classmates. For example, before coming to KPU, some international students may have had relatively few opportunities to freely interact in social situations with individuals of different genders.
