University of Massachusetts Amherst
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the ESL Program is for matriculated nonnative speakers of English to attain an expert level of second language fluency and accuracy in academic written and spoken English. Students learn how to meet the high standards demanded by the professors in the academic community and in the professional workplace. In addition to the courses for multilingual learners, both native speakers and nonnative speakers of English are able to participate in cross-cultural learning through workshops, presentations, student teaching, internships, and classroom observations. The Program seeks to promote the discipline of second language learning, with its ever-growing body of research findings.
VISION STATEMENT
The vision of the ESL Program is to promote the benefits of intercultural learning and social justice initiatives. Nonnative speakers of English develop a deeper understanding of their own cultures, as well as the diverse cultures in the United States and in the world, by sharing their global perspectives in ESL Program classrooms and in their academic courses in the disciplines. In this way, the University of Massachusetts Amherst benefits from the enlightenment brought by students from diverse cultures to other members of the academic community.
Using a critical pedagogical approach, ESL students learn to empower themselves through critical thought, reflection, and action to transform society for the better. Upon graduation from the University, ESL students contribute to the professional workplace in the Commonwealth as well as throughout the country and the world as individuals dedicated to positive social change.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
The ESL Program contributes to diversity at the University of Massachusetts by teaching ESL in multilingual, multicultural classrooms that act as laboratories for developing an understanding of and an appreciation for linguistic and cultural differences. The Program honors linguistic pluralism, whereby the first languages and cultures of ESL students, not just the English language and American culture, are highly valued. As knowledgeable resources, ESL Program students can help all in the University community learn what it is to move between cultures and languages as members of local, national, and global communities.
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Last update 11/28/05 Ingrid C. Holm Acting Director |
