Curriculum Policy

The curriculum of the English preparatory class is prepared so as to embrace the vision, mission and objectives of the SFL. Along with instruction and assessment, the curriculum is an important pillar of the SFL’s educational programs. In determining curriculum, the SFL sets realistic and applicable outcomes that align with the CEFR. The SFL adopts a curriculum design cycle that includes need analysis, setting objectives, material design, instructional activities, assessment, and evaluation. The dynamic nature of the cycle allows for curriculum modification or amendment through action plans and feedback.

Learning Objectives Policy

The curriculum of the English preparatory class aims to provide quality language education to prepare its students for their academic studies in English. In line with these aims, the needs of the students are determined through intensive and on-going research initiatives, which are then applied for the improvement of educational program. The learning objectives and outcomes for each level of instruction are determined based on the findings of the needs analysis study conducted at the SFL, and course material are designed to be compatible with the objectives and outcomes of each level. At the end of each academic year, the SFL management conducts meetings with the Coordinators to discuss the fulfillment of these objectives and outcomes.

Teaching Policy

The SFL adopts an integrated skills approach that focuses primarily on communication. In order to maximize student exposure to English and, in line with SFL’s emphasis on communication, instructors conduct their classes entirely in English. In accordance with SFL’s teaching policy, instructors are required to speak only in English throughout the teaching process.

The SFL believes that it is not realistic to learn a foreign language only from the instruction provided in the classroom. The SFL encourages its students to develop their language skills by becoming autonomous learners. To encourage learner autonomy, SFL provides students with access to online materials using two computer labs. Students are also encouraged to access the readers available to them in the library to improve their language skills.

Assessment Policy

The SFL is committed to developing and implementing its courses, the three components of which are closely aligned and reinforce each other: learning objectives, instructional activities, and assessment. Therefore, assessment activities are designed using appropriate tools to assess whether the learning objectives are achieved, and the curricula are used to determine the content for assessment. Because the efficiency of the assessment system is given great significance, a separate unit, the Testing Office, has been established in order to design, conduct, supervise, and improve assessment activities for all courses offered in the SFL.