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English Development Sustainability for English as Second Language College Transfer Students: A Case Study from a University in Hong Kong

Author

Listed:
  • Dennis Foung

    (School of Journalism, Writing, and Media, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada)

  • Shirley Siu Yin Ching

    (School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Lillian Weiwei Zhang

    (School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Gwendoline Yuanyuan Guan

    (School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Kin Cheung

    (School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

The sustainability of English development plays a crucial role in higher education. However, the language needs of community college transfer students have not been well studied. This paper examined the language needs and support measures for vertical transfer (VT) English as a Second Language (ESL) students after admission to the university. A qualitative approach was adopted. Thirty-nine focus groups and seven individual interviews were conducted with 124 VT ESL students. The results found that, while community college studies might have prepared VT students for basic written assignments in universities, these students needed support with advanced academic writing skills, and general speaking and listening skills. It is only if the needs and challenges of VT ESL students are clear to higher education administrators that effective strategies can be developed. For instance, the participants were not content with the current measures provided to them and required short, fun, and purpose-driven interventions. This is the first of its kind to explore the English needs and support measures among VT ESL to sustain their English development should be strengthened.

Suggested Citation

  • Dennis Foung & Shirley Siu Yin Ching & Lillian Weiwei Zhang & Gwendoline Yuanyuan Guan & Kin Cheung, 2022. "English Development Sustainability for English as Second Language College Transfer Students: A Case Study from a University in Hong Kong," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:12692-:d:934464
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Di Xu & Shanna Smith Jaggars & Jeffrey Fletcher & John E. Fink, 2018. "Are Community College Transfer Students “a Good Bet” for 4-Year Admissions? Comparing Academic and Labor-Market Outcomes Between Transfer and Native 4-Year College Students," The Journal of Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 89(4), pages 478-502, July.
    2. Shirley Siu Yin Ching & Dennis Foung & Lillian Weiwei Zhang & Gwendoline Yuanyuan Guan & Kin Cheung, 2020. "Perceptions of the English Use of College Transfer Nursing Students in a Non-English Speaking City: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-12, January.
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