The English Enhancement Programme (EEP) is UIC’s way to start the forthcoming semester for new students. This five-day intensive programme ran from 30 August until 3 September to help new students adapt to the English learning environment at UIC.
The EEP is an all-English programme run by the English Language Centre (ELC) that aims to improve students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills before starting their studies in Week One. It also introduces students to essential campus resources, such as the student support services available through the ELC’s Independent Learning Hub (ILH).
New UIC students attending one of the EEP classes
ELC teachers began the semester by teaching the new students during the EEP week
Due to travel restrictions and pandemic prevention measures, not all new students could make it to campus; therefore, some students had to take online EEP classes. These students completed the same schedule and activities as their classmates on campus but adapted for delivery through Tencent Meeting.
On the first day of the EEP, the new students attended a special welcoming meeting in the UIC Hall. First, Dr Robyn Bray, Director of the ELC, introduced the students to the ELC and the EEP. Then Mr Jonathan Corbett, ELC Course Convener, talked about what the students would study in English I, introduced the coursebook and explained a general understanding of academic English. Finally, the ELC’s Independent Learning Coordinator, Ms Rebecca Levin, told students about the language support services they could access and explained how to participate in clubs and activities to improve their English outside of the classroom.
New students attending the EEP welcome meeting at the UIC Hall
Dr Robyn Bray introducing EEP
Mr Jon Corbett, who teaches and convenes English I and English II, explained that the introduction meeting was a great chance to meet the new intake of students and introduce them to the ELC. “We have a brand new English I syllabus starting this year that aims to help students gain the language skills and study skills they need to succeed at university. So, to help prepare students for English I, we have also introduced a new EEP that focuses on giving students a foundation in academic English.”
Students took part in a variety of activities
Director of the ELC, Dr Robyn Bray, explained how the EEP had been designed to help students prepare for undertaking degree programmes that use English as a medium of instruction. "This is a new challenge for most of our freshmen, and some students might feel worried or anxious as they begin their college life. Therefore, the EEP is designed to introduce some of the key skills for studying in an English-speaking institution so that students will feel more confident when their degree programmes start next week.”
The students enjoyed meeting new teachers and attending classes on different subjects each day, which gave them a real taste of what the ELC has to offer. Teachers ran innovative activities both inside and outside of the classroom, such as surveys and scavenger hunts. Other activities included interacting with mobile phones and iSpace, as well as different language-related tasks.
The new students appreciated the programme and were grateful for the relentless work that ELC teachers had put in to ensure that the EEP was a success.
Applied Economics student, Gao Keqian, described the EEP as “fruitful”. “My English skills, including pronunciation, vocabulary and communication skills, have been improved.”
The feedback from students about the ELC teachers has been extremely positive
Journalism and Communication student, Chen Weiru, found a big difference between the English she learnt at high school and the English she encountered during the EEP. Weiru explained how the EEP teachers taught her about vocabulary, critical thinking, and academic writing. She summarised the differences by saying, “In high school, the teachers taught us knowledge, while in the EEP, the teachers taught us skills.”
Well done to all our year-one students for a very successful first week in UIC. We wish you the best of luck in your first year of study.
From MPRO
Reporter: Samuel Burgess
Photographers: Ivy Liao, Covee Wang, Peng Zigui
Editor: Deen He
