WOU is committed to preparing and equipping teachers with English language proficiency in line withthe Malaysian Ministry of Education’s (MOE) directive for educators to possess the necessary certification.
According to WOU’s School of Education, Humanities & Social Sciences (SEHS) Senior Lecturer Dr Alexander Funk Yun Leong, the University will offer a 6-month English Preparatory Course (CEFR Level B) starting June 2021- with a 2-hour tutorial every week – to prepare students for an external language assessment.
THE ONLINE PREVIEW SESSION IN PROGRESS.
He talked about the English Preparatory Course (CEFR Level B) at an online preview session organised today by the School. About 70 people attended the virtual event for a better understanding of the course.
The SEHS will bestow a Certificate of Completion for English proficiency to enable students to sit for an external language assessment andobtain a CEFR English language proficiency level B standard or above.
Dr Funk elaborated that CEFR, the acronym for the globally-recognised Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, represents the international standard for language proficiency. It describes language learning, teaching and assessment, and is used as the benchmark for English standards in Malaysia.
THE SPEAKER, SENIOR LECTURER DR ALEXANDER FUNK.
He shared that generally university graduates should have level B2 competency, where they are able to understand more complex text, handle more abstract topics and technical discussions, and interact comfortably with native speakers.
He said WOU is introducing this preparatory course as a response to the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 (Preschool to Post-Secondary Education) and a MOE circular dated 9 October 2020 requiring teachers teaching from kindergarten to tertiary levels to have an English language certification by 2025.
PART OF THE PARTICIPANTS AT THE VIRTUAL EVENT.
Dr Funk added, “Our English preparatory course is designed for Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers in kindergartens and those who are currently pursuing the Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) to prepare them for CEFR Level B English. We also welcome students and adults learners who want to improve their English proficiency for personal or professional development.”
He said the course will enhance the learners’ English language skills, particularly in reading writing, listening and speaking, and will also prepare them for the external Aptis Advance test conducted by the British Council. This non-expiring Aptis certification is recognised by MOE.
THE COURSE IS OFFERED BY WOU’S SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES.
He cited various reasons for pursuing the course at WOU. “The mode of study is small online classes and the proctored Aptis test is done remotely. Students will be provided eCoursebooks, allowing them to study and take exams from anywhere.”
He assured that the course is to be conducted by qualified and experienced tutors. The total fees is competitively priced at RM1,750, inclusive of learning materials, examination fees and access to the learning management system, FlexLearn. Students have the option to pay via instalments.
