Helen Bowstead (ELC) and Hannah Miles (ED) were recently invited to present the initial findings of a research project at the Jisc Student Experience Experts Group in Birmingham. Working with students from Academic Development’s pioneering peer-learning initiatives (Hello Project, PALS, Digital Student Champions and Writing Cafe Mentors), Helen and Hannah’s project aims to identify the… Continue reading Peer-learning advice from UoP experts
The Languages Café
The UoP Languages Café: by Margaret Russell The Languages Café is one of the cultural flagships of the University of Plymouth, and began in 2008. Once a week university students, staff, and people from the wider community of Plymouth come together for an hour to converse in a language of their choice over a cup… Continue reading The Languages Café
English for Nursing & Healthcare Students
By Anna McKenna One of the English Language Centre’s subject specific courses is for students preparing to undertake nursing and healthcare degrees. The programme has been running since 2017 and is growing in popularity, with numbers increasing year on year. It’s taught across 3 semesters and is a thriving collaborative partnership with the ELC and… Continue reading English for Nursing & Healthcare Students
Tiernan Gillespie Interview
University of Plymouth TESOL graduate Tiernan Gillespie talks to us about life as an ELT Teacher & Academic Coordinator at Education First. Hello Tiernan, Good to see you again – what are you up to this summer? It’s nice to see you too! This summer I’m working for EF (Education First) as an Academic Coordinator… Continue reading Tiernan Gillespie Interview
Hello Project chosen for Advance HE publication
The English Language Centre’s ‘Hello Project’ has been selected for inclusion in an Advance HE publication which showcases best practice across the sector in student-led peer learning and support. The Hello Project helps create a welcoming community by matching newly arrived international students with students already studying at the university. The Hello Project fosters fun,… Continue reading Hello Project chosen for Advance HE publication
TESOL Course Summer 2024
In June 2024, 4 trainee English teachers completed the 1-month intensive University of Plymouth TESOL course. The course involved ‘Input Sessions’ where participants learnt the fundamentals of English language teaching (ELT), combined with ‘Teaching Practice’ sessions which allowed trainees to develop their teaching skills. All trainees successfully completed the training programme and 2 have already… Continue reading TESOL Course Summer 2024
Introduction to TESOL
8 trainees recently completed the University of Plymouth ‘Introduction to TESOL’ – a 6-week part-time course designed to introduce participants to fundamental aspects of Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL). The course is designed to give participants an opportunity to learn the theory and practice of Communicative Language Teaching, including content related… Continue reading Introduction to TESOL
EAQUALS Conference 2024
EAQUALS 2024: by Margaret Russell Easter was a bit different this year, as I headed over to Lisbon in Portugal for the Evaluation and Accreditation of Quality Language Services (EAQUALS) Annual International Conference 2024. My proposal to give a talk on CEFR (2020) Mediation skills had been accepted, and I was thrilled. Not only had… Continue reading EAQUALS Conference 2024
Welcome to the ELC Blog!
Welcome to the University of Plymouth English Language Centre Blog! The English Language Centre (ELC) delivers bespoke English language and teacher training courses to students and staff at Plymouth University and members of the wider community. In our regular blog posts we will share updates on ELC activity, and discuss current issues related to ELT,… Continue reading Welcome to the ELC Blog!