english-language-proficiency-program
English Language Proficiency Program
The English Language Proficiency Program (ELP) is a linguistic service provided to instructors (and prospective instructors) who wish to improve their spoken English skills. Support services are confidential and at no additional cost to the participant.
International Teaching Assistants must be English language certified according to University policy. Use this questionnaire to check your certification status (or that of your student). Current TAs who are not language certified are required to participate with the CTE-ELP program. Learn more about the English language requirements for TAs who are not fully certified yet.
To begin participating, please fill out this interest form where you will provide your contact information and indicate the particular services you are interested in (see details below).
International Teaching Assistants must be English language certified according to University policy. Use this questionnaire to check your certification status (or that of your student). Current TAs who are not language certified are required to participate with the CTE-ELP program. Learn more about the English language requirements for TAs who are not fully certified yet.
To begin participating, please fill out this interest form where you will provide your contact information and indicate the particular services you are interested in (see details below).
Our program is committed to providing accessible resources and services for all students. If you have registered with Disability Resources and have academic accommodations in place, please contact CTE-ELP if accommodations are needed while you engage in our services. Please email us at CTE-ELP@tamu.edu.
Services and Learning Outcomes
English Language Proficiency Program
- Classroom Observation* - Receive feedback from a consultant on observed classroom communication strategies. Set goals, plan and rehearse strategies, and self-assess one's classroom teaching.
- Private Consultations* - Create an individualized plan for language development. Practice and receive feedback. Identify tools and strategies for self-directed language improvement.
- Conversation Partnerships - Develop fluency and an awareness and appreciation for cultural difference.
- Microteaching Feedback Sessions* - Practice teaching and giving oral presentations, focusing on clear pronunciation, appropriate body language, effective use of visual aids, engagement with the audience, and confidence.
- Practice Groups* - Rehearse functional language for instruction; learn to anticipate and repair common communication breakdowns; develop peer support, pronunciation, and fluency; and cultivate an appreciation for cultural differences.
- Conversation Circles - Converse informally in a small group facilitated by an ELP staff member, on any topic they are interested in discussing.
- Workshops - Develop phonological awareness and an appreciation for linguistic diversity.
- Language Laboratories - Develop pronunciation accuracy, listening discrimination, understanding of the vocal tract, and automaticity.
*During busy seasons, certain services, such as classroom observations, private consultations, Microteaching Feedback Sessions, and Practice Groups, may be reserved for current instructors only. However, other services are open to non-teaching international graduate students, and if space permits, international undergraduate students, post-docs, and visiting scholars as well.
Additional Resources
- The Pronunciation Highlighter, making the sounds of English visible
- Additional Resources for English Language Learning
- Recommended Online Resources for International Instructors
- Tips for Using Zoom across a Language Difference
- Testing Services (English Language Proficiency Exam)
- The Graduate and Professional School's English Language Proficiency Guide (for advisors and departments)
ELP Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about resources or English language proficiency policies? Please Please view answers to frequently asked questions, call the Language Lab at 979.458.3966 or email cte-elp@tamu.edu.