Time for Change: A Hybrid Curriculum for EAP Programs

Abstract

A hybrid English-for-Academic-Purposes (EAP) curriculum is presented for students enrolled in intensive English programs. This program is needed because EAP students have immediate language, academic, & acculturation needs that are not being met by the basic discrete-skills approach that has been dominant since the 1970s. The hybrid approach offered here assumes that there is a curriculum-wide commitment to vocabulary & grammar development. It is organized around a content-based class, to which it attaches support courses that include reading labs, video instruction, computer labs, intercultural communication sessions, writing tutorials, & preparation for English as a foreign language examinations. For this curriculum to be a success, it is suggested that administrators & faculty must share responsibility. Further, administrators & faculty ought to contact other intensive English programs that have used the design, identify the particular needs of their students, & present the curriculum in an honest manner to students. Although change is always difficult, the pressing needs of EAP students makes this particular change worth the effort. 20 References. D. Ryfe