Bursa Technical University (BTU) School of Foreign Languages (SFL) English Preparatory Class
At the BTU SFL, staff members are committed to providing the highest standard of education to our students. With this in mind, BTU SFL aims to:
- improve students’ language skills so that that they can pursue their academic studies in their departments in English
- provide foreign language education in a safe and well-equipped environment
- help students adopt a multicultural perspective through our academic curriculum
- encourage students to be life-long learners
- engage students in taking initiative in their learning process
- improve the quality of teaching and learning for the benefit of our student
The academic departments at BTU can be categorized into two groups with respect to their language of instruction: some departments use 30% English medium-of-instruction while the others are taught entirely in Turkish. The language of instruction for each department is determined by the BTU Senate. Students attending departments with 30% English medium-of-instruction are required to attend and successfully complete the English preparatory courses offered by the SFL if they cannot pass the BTUYDS (Proficiency Exam) or do not have the equivalent proficiency score from exams such as TOEFL, YDS ön YÖKDİL. Students enrolled in the departments where the language of instruction is Turkish may attend the English preparatory classes if they wish to improve their language skills, although their successful completion of the program is not mandatory.
The SFL offers an English Preparatory Program divided into four quarters. Each quarter is composed of 8 weeks. While 7 weeks are allocated for instruction, 1 week is allocated for exams and their evaluation. In the English Preparatory Class, A2, B1, B1+ and B2 (Academic Skills) level classes are offered. Each level is composed of 15 hours of face-to-face lessons per week. The SFL emphasizes English for General Purposes at the first three (A2, B1, B1+) levels. At B2 level, the curriculum focuses more on English for Academic Purposes, and students start to extend their language knowledge into their areas of academic study.
In order to successfully complete the English Preparatory Class, a student must finish B2 level (Academic Skills) with an average of 70% or higher or pass BTUYDS proficiency exam, which is conducted four times per year.
Why foreign lecturers?
BTU SFL lecturers are professionals with MA and PhD degrees in the field of foreign language teaching. Our school also works with foreign lecturers who encourage students to practice English within and outside the classroom. BTU SFL students enjoy mastering English with the guidance of highly qualified teaching staff. Thus, BTU SFL always seeks the best together with professional Turkish and foreign lecturers.
Why an average class size of 14 - 20 students?
Practicing is the cornerstone of language learning. Therefore, it is crucial to provide learners with a student-centered classroom environment. In order to promote classroom participation, BTU SFL aims to make their students autonomous learners through the use of pair work activities, group projects and oral & written presentations in an interactive atmosphere. As such, BTU SFL makes a difference with class sizes of 14 - 20 students.
Why a language teaching system based on international CEFR objectives, students' needs and business sectors’ expectations?
BTU SFL adopts a dynamic foreign langauge education system in line with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the learning needs of the students and the requirements of the business sectors. After analysing international CEFR descriptors, BTU SFL conducts needs analyses research and develops its curriculum based on the needs of the students and expectations of the business sectors. Course syllabi and course materials are organized around learning outcomes. In this way, students are able to learn the language they enjoy and what is needed for international standards and their professional careers.
“Lesson objectives and student outcomes matter in our dynamic system.”
In recent years, speaking a foreign language has not been regarded as an exception but a prerequisite. In the fast paced worlds of academia and business, educating bright enKesgineers equipped with global language skills is the essence of our teaching policy. BTU SFL prepares students for goal-oriented English contexts. With this in mind, our School not only focuses on English for General Purposes but also English courses based on the needs of our students, faculties and business spheres.