How to Succeed in Higher Level Education

Academic Literacy for English Learners

Academic literacy for English Learners focuses on the ability to engage with, understand, and produce language that is characteristic of academic settings. This includes the basic proficiency in English as well as the mastery of academic vocabulary, comprehension of text structures and genres, and the ability to critically analyze and synthesize information. Academic thinking, on the other hand, involves higher-order cognitive skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to make connections between different pieces of information.

For English Learners, developing academic literacy and thinking is important because it directly impacts their ability to access and advance in educational settings. Without sufficient academic literacy, ELs are more likely to struggle to understand course materials. They are less likely to participate in class discussions, or perform well in assessments, if they lack this academic literacy. This, in turn, can cause them to become frustrated with their underachievement and disengage from education.

Academic literacy is thus an important aspect for several reasons. First off, it acts as a gateway to knowledge and communication within various disciplines. Students need to be able to read and comprehend academic texts, so that they can in turn produce their own, which is a must in order to fully participate in their chosen fields of study. Secondly, academic literacy contributes to individual language and cognitive development. As students engage with academic texts and ideas, they develop a more rigorous and scholarly vocabulary, and they also can improve critical thinking skills, and learn to express their thoughts in a clearer and more consistent manner.