EOU partners with English3

EOU expanding English language-learning options

July 29, 2015

EOU photo / International students utilize resources in the Multicultural Center on campus. A supplemental proficiency test and an American Classroom Readiness course available in the fall will help nonnative English speakers prepare for success at the university.

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – New tools will be available soon to help nonnative English speakers become prepared to excel as students at Eastern Oregon University.

EOU is partnering with an organization called English3 to offer a supplemental proficiency test and an American Classroom Readiness course starting this fall.

English3 is an advanced English language-learning program serving individuals, corporations and educational institutions around the world.

The proficiency test will provide EOU with a more effective way to evaluate incoming non-U.S. domicile and international students on their English language skills. Compared to other proficiency exams, English3’s test is known for being better able to detect underprepared students.

EOU will still use scores from the Test of English as Foreign Language, or TOEFL, and the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, when determining a student’s application status.

“This is an exciting endeavor and wonderful opportunity to open doors to a new wave of students that can and will add to the diversity on campus,” said Janet Camp, EOU’s International Student Services coordinator.

EOU is also excited to include the American Classroom Readiness course as part of its orientation program for new multicultural and international students. The customizable course focuses on improving language production and bridges the gap between successful completion of the proficiency exam and beginning in-class learning.

The course is also designed to change behavior and dispel classroom myths to help students become accustomed to the American classroom so they can succeed in required tasks, including group work, classroom participation and more.

English3’s platform uses asynchronous video technology, enabling students to record and submit clips of them speaking out loud for practice and performing college-level tasks. Coaches review the clips and provide personalized video feedback.

These resources will also be available to domestic students who want to improve their English language skills, including underrepresented students who can benefit from these services.

For more information contact Camp at 541-962-3406, jcamp@eou.edu or visit www.eou.edu/intprog/english3.