Conceptual principles of State Policy on the Development of English Language in Higher Education

Ukraine has confirmed its European choice and foreign policy vector (Constitution of Ukraine), commitment to European integration and globalization (Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, membership in the European Higher Education Area, European Scientific Area, other international institutions, partnerships, and cooperation). Ukraine recognizes higher education as a driver of social transformation, and English as a key competence in the context of economic integration and globalization, a tool for international communication, a means of joining the European educational, scientific, and professional space, a condition for effective integration, and a factor in the country's economic growth.

The importance of English for access and expansion of human educational and professional opportunities is recognized by Ukraine and reflected in a number of national stra tegies and initiatives, where English proficiency is central, including:

  • ·Recognition of the need to ensure the competitiveness of Ukrainian scholars and graduates at the national and international levels;
  • ·Striving for the internationalization of higher education;
  • ·Programs for academic and educational integration within the EU;
  • ·Сompulsory study of the Englishin primary and secondary education;
  • ·Study and application of the experience of the "English for Universities" project, which supported the introduction and dissemination of English for professional purposes and teaching of professional disciplines in English in universities;
  • ·Adoption of the National Framework of the Curriculum for English for Professional Purposes for use in universities of Ukraine;
  • ·Promotion of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for determining the level of English proficiency in Ukraine;
  • ·Defining the study of foreign languages, including English, as a priority of internal policy in Ukraine's strategic documents. Thus, the Sustainable Development Strategy "Ukraine-2020" within the framework of the "Program for the Promotion of Ukraine in the World and the Promotion of Ukraine's Interests in the World Information Space" provides for strengthening institutional capacity for conducting international strategic communications; increasing and optimizing Ukraine's presence at international events and platforms; presence in the international academic, cultural, and public environment. At the same time, one of the strategic indicators for the implementation of the Strategy is "75% of graduates of general education institutions will have at least two foreign languages, which will be confirmed by international certificates";
  • ·Joining GoGlobal and adopting the National Program for the Study and Promotion of Foreign Languages "Ukraine speaking";
  • ·Holding the Year of English in Ukraine (2016) and others.

1. GOAL

The goal of the state policy on the development of the English language in higher education in Ukraine is to create opportunities for cultural, educational, and professional development and prosperity for every citizen, to promote the integration and economic growth of higher education institutions, to improve the quality of educational services in the field of higher education in Ukraine, and to promote the implementation of Ukraine's European and global aspirations and its economic growth.

2. SCOPE OF ACTION

The scope of action of the state policy on the development of the English language in higher education in Ukraine covers:

  • ·Teaching English as a foreign language, including English for Special Purposes (ESP)
  • ·Teaching professional disciplines in English as part of a Ukrainian-language program (English as Medium of Instruction for Ukrainians - EMI-u)
  • ·Providing a full educational program in English for international students (English as Medium of Instruction for Foreigners - EMI-f)

3. ANALYSIS OF THE STATE OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Two recent studies provide a detailed analysis of the current state of the study and use of English in higher education institutions in Ukraine (with particular attention to English for Special Purposes (ESP) and teaching professional disciplines in English (EMI). The recommendations in these studies provide a major impetus for the development of state policy on English in higher education. In particular, it was proposed to:

  • ·Universities to review and, where necessary, increase the number of hours allocated to ESP courses
  • ·Ensure more effective coordination of EMI within institutions
  • ·Improve institutional support for EMI lecturers, including English language qualification
  • ·Introduce new forms of joint professional development that meet the needs of lecturers in both ESP and EMI
  • ·Check students' English proficiency before they attend lectures in English
  • ·Provide additional training for ESP lecturers and heads of foreign language departments in language proficiency assessment
  • ·Review the content of professional development for lecturers in both ESP and EMI, including the development of pedagogical skills.

This policy document is aimed at addressing these and other issues, as well as how to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and use of the English language in higher education institutions in Ukraine to support the above-mentioned national strategies.

4. VISION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN UKRAINE

The following is a vision for the development of the English language in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ukraine. This vision is the basis for specific recommendations.

According to this vision, by 2025, the state of development of the English language in higher education in Ukraine will be characterized as follows:

  • ·Increased English proficiency of graduates of HEIs Graduates of Ukrainian universities have an English proficiency level that allows them to fully and adequately participate in educational and professional life at both the national and international levels (graduates of all levels must have English proficiency at level B2 or higher).
  • ·Increased English proficiency of lecturers

The majority of lecturers have an English proficiency level that allows them to fully and adequately participate in educational, research, and professional life at both the national and international levels.

  • ·Improved status of English in higher education (more attention to the English language)

English is recognized as a key competence of the modern person, a key tool for international communication in academic and professional life and for the development of the country as a whole, a means of access to knowledge, a condition for effective global integration and a factor in the country's economic growth.

  • ·High-quality teaching methods

ESP and EMI teaching methods are used that ensure the development of target competencies and are student-centered, which promote student autonomy, engagement, and motivation.

  • ·Relevant content of ESP disciplines

ESP disciplines are based on vocabulary and tasks that are relevant to current and future student needs and national and/or global labor markets.

  • ·Effective evaluation systems

Assessment of English language learning is characterized by high-quality procedures that facilitate learning, meet assessment objectives, are transparent and, in the case of national examinations, standardized.

  • ·Stakeholder community

Stakeholders (teachers, lecturers, students, employers, government and university administration, non-governmental organizations) recognize the value of English as an international means of communication and cooperate in creating an environment that promotes high-quality teaching, learning, and use of English in Ukraine.

  • ·Access to resources

ESP and EMI lecturers and students have access to a wide range of high-quality resources and use them to achieve effective teaching and learning.

  • ·Improved reputation

The quality of ESP and EMI courses and programs at Ukrainian universities is recognized at the institution, national and international levels (e.g. awards, competitions and ratings) and contributes to the improvement of Ukraine's reputation as a country that provides quality education and is attractive to students, and contributes to attracting foreign students.

  • ·Increased academic mobility .Mechanisms exist and are used to facilitate two-way academic mobility of a growing number of HEIs and students.
  • ·Support for continuous professional development

Government and universities recognize the importance of high-quality teaching and create opportunities for initial and ongoing professional development of teaching staff who provide ESP and EMI.

  • ·Systematic quality assurance

ESP and EMI courses and programs are regularly subject to internal and external quality assessment of higher education and are regularly reviewed and updated.

  • ·Co-financing models

Funding to support the implementation of this 2025 vision comes from a variety of sources, including government, public-private partnerships, as well as national and international programs.

5. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the state policy on the development of the English language in higher education in Ukraine, in accordance with the goal, include:

  • ·Improving legislation to support the development of the English language in higher education
  • ·Establishing requirements for the level of English proficiency at different stages of the educational continuum
  • ·Promoting the transformation of the status of English.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS. ENGLISH LANGUAGE OF PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

English is a key tool for international communication, and a high level of English proficiency among graduates will allow them to fully and effectively participate in professional and academic life.

On the path to Ukraine's globalization, English is recognized as a key competence in the context of economic integration and globalization, a tool for international communication, and a means of joining the European educational, scientific, and professional space. The importance of English for expanding human educational and professional opportunities is recognized by Ukraine and reflected in a number of national strategies and initiatives.