ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING

 

1.       Why do I have to study English?

It is important for you to have a working knowledge of academic English in order for you to continue your studies at University.

 

2.       I have been studying English for many years at school, is this course any different from what I have already studied?

In the Intensive English Programme (IEP) you will study the key skills and learn how to communicate effectively in English.

 

3.       What are the main methods of teaching that will be used in class by my teachers?

The style of teaching used by your teacher at KSU will probably be very different from the teaching you experienced at high school. Your teacher will expect you to join in with activities and to try to use any English you know to do the activities they give you. You will also be allowed to experiment with your English and to work out some of the language rules for yourself. Don't worry! Your teacher will be there to guide you and make it as fun as possible.

 

4.       How long are the lessons?

Each student will study 200 minutes of English a day.

 

5.       Will I be given a lot of homework?

Homework is an important tool that your teacher will use to test your understanding of the lesson.

 

6.       Am I expected to study extra English myself at home, or is it enough to just study in class?

You will need to study at home to practice the knowledge you acquire in class.

 

7.       I am too shy to speak English in front of other students; do I have to participate in all the speaking activities?

One of the aims of the IEP is to improve your speaking skills. The more you participate, the easier it will get.

 

8.       I heard that the English taught in the lower levels is much easier than in the higher levels, so why should I try to get into the highest level that I can?

The final exams will be unified across all the levels, so it is in your best interest to enter the highest level that you can.

 

9.       Will I be able to speak and write English well at the end of the year?

If you work hard throughout the year, you will see a huge improvement in your skills.

 

 

ABSENTEEISM

 

1.       What is the maximum number of absences I can have?

Students are allowed a maximum of 45 hours of absence in any academic semester.

 

2.       When am I considered late?

If your more than 7 minutes late, you will be recorded as late.

Two consecutive late marks are considered an absence of 1 hour.

 

3.       What constitutes an absence?

Being more than 10 minutes late to any class is regarded as being absent for that hour only.  For the second hour you will be marked as present.

 

4.       What is a valid excuse for being absent?

The 45 hours of permitted absence from class includes all scenarios.  As such, the University will not accept any excuses for being absent.

 

5.       I have exceeded the maximum number of absences, what should I do?

Students should always make sure that they provide medical excuses for serious cases, with clear reference to the date and the health problem.  These should then be submitted to the Office of the Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs (Students Affairs office).

 

6.       Who do I give my medical excuses to? Do I need to submit the original?

The 45 hours of permitted absences includes all but the most serious cases of illness.  As such you cannot submit a medical note to anyone except in the most serious cases where they should be submitted to the Office of the Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs.

 

7.       What are the consequences if I exceed the maximum number of absences?

Students who miss more than 45 hours of class in any semester will be barred from taking the final exam.

 

8.       Can my teacher(s) change my number of absences?

Teachers must submit accurate attendance records.  These are submitted weekly and cannot be changed.

 

9.        I missed some classes, how do I catch up?

 Teachers have office hours.  Please contact your teacher and arrange to meet him/her to go over any material you missed.

 

10.   What happens to my attendance if I change my class? Is my

       attendance transferred to my new class?

 Yes.

 

 

CLASS TIMING

 

 

1.       Will I be allowed breaks for prayer, bathroom, emergency phone calls, etc ?

On the Male Campus, there is a break between classes (2 breaks in the afternoon) and you should use this for telephoning, visits to the bathroom, etc. Classes are always scheduled so that prayer time is either outside of class time or in the break time. On the Female Campus, there is a break between 1:20 pm and 1:40 pm that can be used for prayer. You are not allowed to make phone calls during class time, and your phone must be put on silent.

You are not allowed to bring food or drink into the classroom. You may drink water if you wish.

 

2.       When are the semester breaks?

Please refer to the University website for the latest dates.

 

EXAMS

 

1.       Where/when do I get my examination scores?

Examination scores are published on this website.

 

2.       How much is each exam worth towards my final grade?

 

The mark distribution is as follows: CA: 10%. SL: 10%. Midterm: 30%, Final Exam: 50%

 

3.       Are make-up examinations given?

The University will consider each case on an individual basis and arrangements will be made for students to take make-up examinations accordingly.  

 

4.       I failed the mid-term examination. Can I still progress to the next level?

Yes, but you will be expected to improve on your grades so that you can move to the next level after the final exams.

 

5.       What are the dates of the midterm tests and final exams?

Please refer to the University website.

 

6.       Who do I go to if I feel that there is a mistake in my mark?

You may see the University Coordinator in the female campus and the Academic Advisor on the male campus.

 

7.       Do I have the right to see my exam paper?

For the mid-term exams you may see your exam paper but not for the final exams.

 

8.       Do we have practice tests before we take the actual test or exam?

You will be given adequate opportunity to prepare for the exam.

 

9.       What happens if I forget to bring my ID on the day of the exam?

University policy states that you will be unable to sit the exam.

 

10.   Is there a standard marking procedure for all levels?

All teachers use a standard rubric when marking exams so there should be no major difference in the scores.

 

 

IELTS

 

1.       I passed the IELTS examination at the British Council at my own expense.  Will the University accept the score?

Yes, please submit the original certificate to the Chair of the English Department.

 

2.       What is the required passing mark in the IELTS Exam?

5.0.

  

3.       What ID am I required to bring with me to the IELTS Exam?

Your ID requirements will be explained to you by your teacher.

 

4.       Does the University offer any other Cambridge exams apart from the IELTS (for lower levels)?

No.

 

5.       How long is my IELTS score valid for?

2 years.

 

LEVELS

 

1.       How do I find out which level I am in?

At the beginning of semester one, you will be placed in a level according to the results of your placement test.

 

2.       How do I progress to the next level?

At the end of the first quarter you pass to the next level irrespective of whether you pass the mid-term exam.  If you fail the semester you will repeat the whole semester.

 

3.       What happens if I fail the semester?

You repeat the whole semester.

 

4.       If I am in the wrong level, what should I do?

Inform your teachers about your concerns.

 

5.       Is language level directly related to my admission to a certain college at the end of the year?

Yes, upper level students would be expected to score higher on standardized exams and therefore have a better chance of admission into the college of their choice.  

 

TEACHERS

1.       What do we do when a teacher fails to appear in class?

One student should go and report this to the Academic Advisor.

2.       I am not happy with my teacher(s), who can I speak to?

Please consult the Academic Advisor.

 

3.       How can I find my teacher outside of class?

All teachers are expected to inform their students of their office location and office hours.

 

TEXTBOOKS

 

1.   What textbook will I be using in my course?

      Your teacher will inform you which books you have to buy.

 

2.       Do we have to study the whole book?

This will depend upon the syllabus you are following. Your teacher will advise you in this matter.

 

3.       Where can I buy the books?

Your teacher will inform you of where to buy the books you need.

 

4.       My level changed but I already bought the books. Can I change my books?

Students can return books purchased on the same day, but cannot get a refund or exchange after the day of purchase.

 

DRESS CODE

 

1.       Is there a dress code?

Yes - please avoid clothing that is alien to our customs and Islamic traditions.

 

STUDENT SERVICES

 

1.       Does the university offer remedial classes to improve our levels or certain areas/ skills in the language?

The university does not currently offer remedial classes but encourages students to contact their teacher for additional help if required.

 

2.       Does the university English program include excursions/ field trips or travelling abroad for outstanding students?

There are a variety of activities available through the English Clubs Centre in room G595. There are approximately 20 different clubs for students who have an interest in photography, art, cars, Spanish, poetry, fitness and a number of other areas.

 

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT

 

1.       What is Continuous Assessment?

It evaluates your progress in the curriculum in the key areas of reading, writing, speaking listening and grammar through the semester.

 

2.       Will I be given grades for attending and participating?

Yes, there are marks available for participating in class discussions, brining the required materials, such as books, stationary etc, to class and for working well with your class mates.

 

3.       Can you tell me more about Continuous Assessment?

Each semester will consist of reading, writing, listening and speaking tasks. The grammar component is integrated into the writing task. A maximum of 20 marks are awarded for each assessment except for writing which accounts for 40 marks.    

 

Self-learning

1.   What is Self Learning?

Self Learning is an essential learning tool to empower students to think independently; it teaches them useful, new and appropriate life skills that they will need during University and after they leave University. It will enhance their learning experience through project based learning and the opportunity to join club(s) of their interest.

 

2.       What are these life skills?

These are skills that are not only relevant in their academic life, but are also useful after. These skills include;

·         Problem solving

·         Critical thinking

·         Communication

·         Collaboration

·         Creative thinking

·         Self motivation and confidence building

 

3.       Apart from life skills, do students learn anything else?

Yes.  Over the two semesters, students will also learn such skills as:

·         Mind mapping

·         Time management

·         Research methods

·         Citing sources correctly

·         Giving Presentations

 

4.       Why do students have to do Self Learning?

Apart from being compulsory it is an integral part of IEP and the curriculum. The Self Learning projects are related to the content of the books the students use.

 

5.       What are the Projects?

These are problem based research tasks that students do either individually in pairs/groups. 

 

6.       Can students choose their own projects?

Yes they can but these projects must comply with the teaching/marking criteria.  There will, however, be numerous Projects for the students to choose from or to adapt.

 

7.       How many hours a week do students have to do Self Learning?

At least one hour forty minutes class based time each week, but there is out of class time depending on their project and interest.

 

8.       How is it assessed?

There is an assessment rubric that accounts for 10% of the overall mark for the semester

 

9.       Is Self Learning purely academic?

No, apart from the academic component which is assessed there is a non-academic component where students can join clubs and do other activities for the own enjoyment

  10.  What are these clubs?

These are for the students and run mainly by the students.  Currently there are over twenty clubs ranging from learning the Japanese language and culture to the Fitness Club.  Other interesting activities are the weekly News Programme and Debates.