Griffith University’s English Language Enhancement Strategy (GELES) Team has won the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) award for Best Practice/Innovation in International Education for its ground-breaking developments in international education.
The award was presented at the 27th annual Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) in Canberra on the 8th October 2013.
GELES is a unique and innovative strategy deigned to enhance the English language proficiency and academic success of students with English as an Additional Language (EAL).
The strategy is a whole-of institution, holistic, student-centred approach to English language development, comprising five different components that collectively support students throughout the student lifecycle.
Deputy Director of Griffith English Language Institute (GELI) Pamela Humphreys said the GELES team was very proud to receive the national award.
“The University’s commitment to supporting the academic language of students with English as an additional language is making a difference, and the recognition of our efforts is therefore very welcome,” she said.
IEAA President Helen Zimmerman said the award winners were making IEAA’s aspirations for the international education industry a reality.
“International education in Australia is renowned for its quality and innovation.
“This is largely on account of the tireless efforts and talent of many professionals working within our industry,” she said.
The five components of the GELES strategy (UniPrep, ELEC, EnglishHELP, Student Linx and IELTS4grads) help to support students before, during and after their study at Griffith University thus maximising our students’ potential beyond graduation.
UniPrep is an intensive three-week academic language preparatory program delivered prior to semester to help students transition to university study.
English Language Enhancement Courses (ELEC) are four compulsory, credit-bearing, discipline-specific, English language courses undertaken in the students’ first semester of undergraduate study.
English Higher Education Language Program (EnglishHELP) is a free in-degree language support program for students with English as an additional language, delivered via individual consultations and targeted workshops.
Student Linx offers opportunities for social interaction between domestic and international students delivered through peer-to-peer exchange, on-campus events and community engagement initiatives.
The IELTS4grads program subsidises the cost of the academic IELTS test for eligible Griffith graduates at the completion of their degree.
As a result of the success of this strategy, there are now plans to expand the GELES program in the future.