Learning development and English for academic purposes: opportunities and challenges in collaboration

Abstract

The aim of this practitioner’s mini keynote was to reflect on the experiences of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and learning development (LD) practitioners from across UK higher education institutions to explore how we can collaborate to benefit students’ educational experiences and outcomes. Despite different pedagogical and professional contexts and identities, both EAP and LD practitioners aspire to develop students’ understanding of, and engagement with, key academic and disciplinary literacies (McCulloch and Horak, 2019). Within many institutions, however, EAP and LD colleagues deliver provision separately – either to different cohorts or through different teaching models (pre- and in-sessional delivery, for example). Although this separation speaks to specific disciplinary identities and points of theoretical and pedagogical difference (see, for example, Wingate, 2012), it can cause duplication of content, confusion for students, and competing demands for institutional funding and support. Given increasing student numbers, widening diversity of student needs and experience, and funding concerns, it is more important than ever to understand how EAP and LD practitioners can collaborate in the best interests of our students.

Prompt questions:

• What opportunities for collaboration between EAP and LD colleagues are available at your institution, and what challenges or barriers have you experienced?
• How can EAP and LD practitioners effectively collaborate while maintaining their professional identities?
• How can effective collaboration between EAP and LD practitioners benefit student education experiences and outcomes?