Practice 01
Communicative English Academy
Objective
- Assess and improve grammar, vocabulary, listening, and speaking using the British Council English Score app.
- Create an immersive setting through small groups, varied materials, and linguaphone sessions.
- Build an English-speaking campus through a token system, language counselling, and morning reading.
Context
The college aims to uplift rural and disadvantaged youth with higher education and employability skills. About 99% of students come from poor backgrounds and have had little global exposure. English proficiency is treated as a core skill for the job market: preparing every student for work, and supporting students from Tamil-medium schooling.
Practice
- English for Life: a first-year course with bridge sessions and a weekly focus on vocabulary and structure.
- Communicative English Lab: weekly speeches and discussions.
- Language counselling: a token system and one-to-one counselling.
- English proficiency assessment: tests twice a year on the British Council app.
- Language card: monitors language use on campus.
Evidence of success
- Full enrolment in job-connected programmes such as BCA and B.Sc. Computer Science.
- Movement in assessed levels from A1/A2 toward B1/B2.
- Student feedback on greater self-assurance in communication.
Problems encountered
- Wide differences in starting proficiency.
- Limited English use outside the designated sessions.
- Difficulty in identifying each learner’s specific weakness.