Program Description

The University partnered with St. Clair College in 2003/2004 to offer international students a 12-week ESL/TOEFL preparation course. Students who participated in the program were identified as having the necessary academic standing but lack the necessary English language skills for post secondary education at Windsor.  The course was offered at the St. Clair College campus. 

Students in the program were expected to complete the ESL/TOEFL preparation program and to meet the required TOEFL score (560) for full admission to University academic programs.  Students with a TOEFL score of below 560 but above 540 were recommended for the Academic Writing Centre’s English Language Improvement Program (ELIP) at the University.  Students were also given the option of seeking admission to academic programs at St. Clair College or other institutions where the TOEFL requirements are below 560.

 Conclusions

At the conclusion of the first 12 week course, representatives from St. Clair College, the University of Windsor and Higher Edge (the University’s international consulting firm) met to assess the program. The following two conclusions were made.

1.  The measurement methods used by the consultants did not accurately
      assess the English language proficiency of students.  The entry
      TOEFL test administered by the College after students arrived for the

       course revealed that many of the students were not qualified for the

       course.  Students scored in the mid to high 400’s and low 500’s.  The

       lower than expected entry scores meant that, from the start, it was

       unlikely that students could improve their ESL proficiency enough in

        the 12 week period to achieve the required TOEFL score.

2.  Students were confused about the nature of the program.

     ● Students are expected to take the ESL course on the

        university campus.

     ● Students did not expect they would be required to achieve  the 560

        TOEFL score in order to qualify for acceptance to university. 

It was decided that the course would be offered again, on a trial basis, in September, 2004.  It was agreed that student selection for the course would be based on independent TOEFL testing and that students must qualify for the course with a TOEFL score in the range of 520 to 559.  It was also determined that the terms and conditions of the program must be clearly stated in writing and made available to students, their parents and administrators at their home high school.

Higher Edge consultants are currently reviewing potential candidates for acceptance in the September, 2004 course.