Published September 26, 2008
Written by Grace Chen
As community colleges provide students of diverse backgrounds with access to courses, instruction, and training venues, schools are now implementing increased support for students whose primary and native language is not English. Students who are in the process of learning English are referred as English as a Second Language (ESL) students, and community colleges are revising their programs to extend and improve academic and campus support.
Community College ESL Courses
Many community colleges offer ESL students a variety of specialized language courses. Typically, students will take a proficiency test and will then enroll in the appropriate ESL / language course based on individual skills and abilities. As Kenneth Beare in “Setting ESL Class Objectives” explains, taking “language acquisition needs into consideration when planning a class or individual instruction is crucial for a successful learning experience […] When a student understands his/her reasons for learning English well, he can then better plan his learning strategy. In the classroom, he/she can help the teacher identify needs and desires.”
Community College ESL Resources
In addition to specialized courses, most community colleges also provide students with personalized support systems, such as tutoring offices and academic advisors. Students can take advantage of ESL resources by visiting the community college campus resource center, or by meeting with an academic advisor for further guidance and information.
Examining Community College ESL Programs
Mesa Community College
Located in Mesa, Arizona, Mesa Community College provides ESL students with a variety of resources and programs for academic support. As MCC explains, “ESL Support Services provides informational services to prospective students who wish to enroll in ESL courses. The office assists students with the enrollment process by providing services for admission to the college, academic advisement and course registration for ESL courses.” The ESL support services have an array of visiting hours where students can meet with teacher’s aids and advisors, while MCC also offers a diverse curriculum of ESL class offerings for students whose primary language is not English.
To enroll in Mesa Community College’s ESL courses, students must take a language proficiency placement test, known as the CELSA, which will help provide information on a student’s English language abilities. Once advisors receive test scores, students can be guided towards the appropriate classroom options, as “MCC's regular ESL program offers a variety of semester long (16-week) ESL classes at five different language levels for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students as well as an Intensive English program (8-week sessions) which meets five days a week.”
Capital Community College
Located in Hartford, Connecticut, Capital Community College provides ESL students with a comprehensive program and network of support. As CCC describes, “The mission of Capital 's English-as-a-Second Language Program is to enable non-native English speaking students to develop and synthesize the core English language proficiency skills necessary for success in diploma and certificate programs at the College.” Students attending Capital Community College can participate in an integrated four-level of ESL curriculum, which includes classes in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. To enroll in the appropriate courses, advisors guide students by reviewing their written test results prior to classroom placement.
In addition to classes, “The English-as-a-Second-Language Program offers a variety of support services designed to facilitate language acquisition. ESL tutors are available for individual or small-group English language skill improvement practice and/or homework assistance.” Students can visit the tutoring center during a variety of drop-in hours, as the academic tutors are trained and prepared to help students with language barriers. Furthermore, CCC provides students with an ESL counselor, who can advise students regarding “academic matters to support their transition into content-area courses or improved professional opportunities.”
Adding to this, as the goal of CCC’s program is to both support and prepare students for their careers after college, the Capital Community College has also designed a program for computer-aided language support. Located in one of the academic service centers, “this computer-aided language learning facility offers a range of software, audio, video and online learning tools to students enrolled in the ESL Program.” The facility is equipped with “the latest in technology and networking,” while the lab can also supplement classroom instruction. Furthermore, the computer programs deliver “an array of innovative and interactive opportunities for independent or collaborative language practice in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.”
Holyoke Community College
Located in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Holyoke Community College offers both ESL courses in addition to programs for added assistance. HCC offers both an ESL Support Program, in addition to a Multicultural Activities Office, which each “serves students whose native language is not English.”
The HCC ESL courses and services “prepare students for college-level courses in associate degree or certificate programs,” as the services include assistance such as “bilingual tutoring, both individual and group, pre-college advising, self-directed and computerized lab instruction, orientation seminars for new students, study skills and career development courses, financial aid consultation, language assessment/placement, student advocacy and referrals, academic and career counseling, (and) multicultural and co-curricular activities.”
Even if English is your second language, community colleges provide excellent programs that can help any student gain fluency in the language, helping you obtain both academic degrees and professional opportunities.
References:
Capital Community College, available at http://webster.commnet.edu/eslprogram.htm
Holyoke Community College, available at http://www.hcc.edu/campus/tutoring&supp_bilingl_centr.html
Mesa Community College, available at http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/students/esl/
“Setting ESL Class Objectives,” available at http://esl.about.com/od/intermediateenglish/a/setobject.htm
Read Related Attending College Articles:
- What to Expect Your First Semester of Community College
Learn what to expect in terms of classes and student life in your first semester of community college. - Do Community College Applicants Need to Take Enrollment Exams?
Learn about whether or not you may need to take an enrollment exam at your local community college, as well as the benefits these exams may provide to your academic career. - Transferring from Community College to a 4-year Institution
Learn about the steps you need to take to succesfully transfer from a community college to a 4-year institution. - How to Ensure Your Community College Credits Transfer to a 4 Year University
Make sure that your community college credits will transfer to your four year university by following these recommended strategies. - The Reverse Transfer Process
Learn about the reverse transfer process and how it can benefit your education. - Stuck on a Waiting List? How Community College Students Can Combat College Admission Freezes
More and more of today's community college students find themselves on waiting lists thanks to budget cuts. Learn about strategies you can take to get yourself off of waiting lists and into class. - Why Community College Students are Taking Classes at Midnight
To accommodate students' schedules, along with growing enrollment rates, community colleges are offering classes in the late evening. Learn more about why you may be taking midnight classes at a campus near you. - How Community Colleges are Coping with Double Digit Enrollment Growth
Learn about how community colleges are changing their campuses to accomodate for double-digit growth in student enrollment. - Should Community Colleges Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Enroll?
Learn about the controversy surrounding community colleges' admission policies regarding undocumented immigrants. - 3 Reasons Why Top Universities are Recruiting Community College Students
Learn about the growing trend amongst four-year universities to recruit from community college campuses. Enjoy an academic head start and a competitive edge against other applicants by starting first at community college. - Establishing Good Relationships with Instructors
Learn how to establish good relationships with community college instructors, and how they can be helpful for your academics. - Tutors and Academic Assistance for Community College Students
Learn about tutoring options and academic assistance for community college students. - Writing Assistance for Community College Students
Learn how to get essay and writing skills assistance in community college. - How to Avoid Community College Academic Probation
Learn about academic probation and dismissal, as well as the strategies you can enact to ensure you remain in good academic standing with your community college. - The Value of Mentoring Programs in Community College
Learn about the variety of mentoring programs available in community colleges, and why you may want to be involved as a mentee or mentor. - The Benefits of Community College Minority Mentoring Programs
Learn about how minority mentorship programs at community colleges are improving academic performance and graduation rates, as well as providing a medley of benefits. - Avoid the 3 Major Pitfalls of the First Year of Community College
Learn about how you can avoid the commonly experienced pitfalls students encounter in the first few weeks of community college, and ensure that you do not slip through the cracks. - Will You Graduate From Community College? Factors that Influence Success
Learn more about the factors that can influence whether you graduate from community college. - Should You Declare Academic Bankruptcy?
Learn about the benefits and disadvantages of academic bankruptcy and whether this option is right for your GPA and financial aid eligibility. - How Community College Campuses are Preparing for the H1N1 Virus
Learn about how community colleges are putting plans in place to prevent and combat the spread of H1N1 on campus. - Enjoy Free Healthcare Services at Your Local Community College
Learn about the opportunities and free healthcare services available at your local community college. Whether you need dental, medical, or even physical therapy treatment, your local community college may be able to provide you with the care that you need, regardless of your budget. - How Community Colleges are Working to Stop Drunk Driving
Learn about the innovative programs, curriculum, and parades that community colleges are creating to prevent drunk driving on campus. - How to Get Help for Your DUI through Your Community College
If you are facing a DUI, your community college can be an excellent resource for affordable legal assistance and counseling programs. - Paid Drug Testing Trials: The Risks to Community College Students
Should you undergo the risks associated with paid drug testing trials both on and off your community college campus? Learn about the benefits and risks associated with these testing trials. - Earn Money and Accolades Through Community College Writing Competitions
Students who enjoy writing can earn published recognition and cash prizes through community college writing competitions. Learn about national contests, as well as how you can find local writing competitions near your community college. - Campus Living Options for Community College Students
Learn about the increasing number of campus living options for community college students. - Can Community Colleges Limit Your Right to Free Speech?
Learn about the legal cases brought against community colleges, who allegedly have been violating students' rights to freedom of speech. - Faith Based Initiatives at Community Colleges: Faux Pas or Politically Correct?
Learn about how religious intiatives at community colleges are growing in popularity and how these programs will impact the dynamics on campus. - Athletics in Community Colleges
Learn about athletics in community colleges - what sports are typically offered and their role in the student experience. - How to Meet New Friends While Playing Sports
Take advantage of the intramural sports opportunities offered at your local community college, including baseball, basketball, ping pong, and even rock climbing. - Professional Athletic Opportunities for Community College Students
Learn how community college can facilitate professional athletic opportunities for its students. - Run Towards the Finish Line with a Community College Marathon
For novice and competitive runners alike, community colleges across the country offer fun marathon events, as well as an opportunity to join collegiate marathon teams. - Top 3 Reasons to Join a Debate Club to Benefit Your Career
Consider three of the best reasons to join your community college's debate club to further your future career and job opportunities. - Choosing Electives for a Rounded Education
Learn how choosing electives can be enjoyable and professionally beneficial. - The Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer in Community College
Consider these five reasons, ranging from resume benefits to professional opportunities, to volunteer during your time in community college - Alternative Spring Break: Programs and Opportunities
Instead of visiting a party destination this spring break, consider attending educational and philanthropic opportunities offered through your community college. - North Carolina Community Colleges: Pioneering Increased Enrollment and Early Graduation Rates
Learn about how North Carolina's community colleges have created innovative programs that not only increase student enrollment, but give high school students an opportunity to attend courses on campus tuition-free. - How to Find the Best Community College for Your Unique Hearing Needs
If you have specific hearing needs, finding a supportive community college campus is critical. Learn about what to look for in a community college and what programs across the nation are providing innovative resources to those with hearing impairments. - Which Community College is Best for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
For students with autism spectrum disorder, community colleges across the country can provide excellent higher education support. Learn about how to choose the right community college that specifically meets the needs of ASD students. - The Secret Signs of Undiagnosed Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
Learn about the symptoms of Adult ADD and ADHD, and how an undiagnosed disorder may impact your academic, social, and professional endeavors. - Community College Students Need Parent Encouragement
Learn tips on how to support your child during during their transition to community college. - Community College Counseling: Academic and Personal Support
Your community college is an excellent resource for support; learn about the academic and emotional support available to you on campus. - The Benefits of Community College Clubs
Learn about the benefits of participating in clubs at community college. - Studying Abroad During Community College
Learn about the benefits of studying abroad during community college. - Benefits of Internships for Community College Students
Build your professional and academic career with internships. Learn how to find the right internships through your community college campus. - Does Your Community College Allow Guns on Campus?
Learn about the new proposals and regulations that may allow students to carry handguns on community college campuses. - Campus Safety on Community Colleges
Learn about how you can stay safe and secure on your community college campus - Finding Childcare on Community College Campuses
Learn how you can balance the roles of being a student and a parent by securing child care assistance on campus. - Wellness Opportunities at Community Colleges
Learn about the different opportunities for improving your health and wellness at community college. - Get Better Grades in Community College by Being Social
Learn about the research that shows how participation in community college boosts student performance and success. - How Community Colleges are Inspiring Young Girls to Soar to Success
Learn about how community colleges are introducing programs that inspire young girls to achieve more academically, socially, and emotionally.
All Categories:
Featured Partners:
