English as a second language

Introduction

Extra assistance is provided for local and international students at Murdoch for whom English is a second language (ESL). The ESL program is co-ordinated by Mr. Colin Beasley, Senior Lecturer in ESL, who organises classes and individual assistance to develop academic reading and writing skills, English grammar and usage, pronunciation and speaking skills in English.

ESL workshops are available to any Murdoch ESL student (undergraduate or postgraduate), and are currently offered as either one and a half or two hourly workshops each week during the first half of each semester. All ESL classes are entirely optional, free of charge and not for university credit.

Individual assistance for ESL students is available in the first instance at the Student Learning Centre (Library Level 4, North Wing). Contact Student Learning Centre reception on 9360 2142 or email slearn@murdoch.edu.au to make an appointment to see a very experienced tutor such as Marie Arandiga for help with essay writing and academic English skills. Colin Beasley is also available by appointment (ph: 9360 2355; email: C.Beasley@murdoch.edu.au). Make sure that you bring all relevant material with you to the appointment such as the unit study guide, assignment instructions, unit reader etc. together with your essay draft or work, so that we can give you informed feedback and advice.

NEW: For other useful resources (including videos, vocabulary exercises and grammar quizzes) on learning and improving your English, please visit the Australian Network Learning English website and the BBC Learning English website.

Finally, an excellent resource on teaching and learning English can be found at The Owl at Purdue website.