Brief Introduction to “Two Languages and Three Dialects” Policy

Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau (KWNC) is the earliest-founded nursing institute in Macau in pursuit of continuous excellence of nursing education, and cultivates the spirit of “Personhood” to “Benevolence” in our students so as to enable them to be highly-qualified nursing professionals in the locality.

The Mission of Bilingual Education at KWNC
Adopted by KWNC in 2006, the bilingual policy of Two Languages (Chinese and English) and Three Dialects (Cantonese, English and Mandarin) is a distinctive characteristic and advantage of the College while the purpose and aim of running the school is continued.

As an academic institute that integrates the Chinese and Western culture, KWNC has a unique cultural mission in the current historical and social environment. The College is positioning itself as an international institute to face the challenge of globalization especially since the liberation of gaming industry in Macau. Students are cultivated to become competent nurses with professional linguistic and culture through such bilingual policy.

Objectives of promoting English teaching in KWNC are as follows:
1) to enhance students’ ability of using oral and written English;
2) to strengthen teachers’ skill in using English for teaching and
3) to provide a supportive environment for both students and teachers in the College.

As such it is one of the College missions to provide a range of English Language enhancement programmes and tutorials that meet the various needs of students across our campus. It is our goal to help students become more competent in using of English, so that they can complete their academic careers here and then participate effectively in the local and international job markets. The emphasis we put in our enhancement programmes are training of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Thus, for better planning and implementing such bilingual education promotion project in KWNC, a Language Promotion Committee (LPC) was established in 2005 by the College.

Definition of Two Languages and Three Dialects
In the context of KWNC, “Two Languages” are Chinese and English as the written languages in writing, and “Three Dialects” can be understood as spoken Cantonese, English and Mandarin in oral communication.

Language of Instruction
The language of instruction should be understood in the context of various teaching and learning activities. It refers not only to language used at classroom lectures, but also language used in reading/reference materials, discussions at tutorials, projects or Symposium, etc.

Starting from Year 2006, two subjects are taught in English in each academic year. Regarding to the ways of teaching in English, it adopts a progressive approach for easy adaptation for both teachers and students who are encouraged to listen more, speak more, read more and practice more. To optimize the effectiveness of teaching and learning, the language used at lectures should be based on the nature of the academic subject and professional requirements, of which, the language habits, competence of students and teachers concerned, the practical needs should be considered. The programmes start with first using of English textbooks and lecture notes, then conducting lectures in English and finally students can sit for examination in written English.

Language Requirements for Admission
To be admitted to KWNC, students must attain prescribed levels of competence in Chinese and English as specified in the regulations governing admission to undergraduate studies. Starting from Academic Year 2006, newly recruited students are required to take an English assessment test (Pre-TOEFL) and a placement writing test. In order to help students to brush up their English to appropriate academic level, we suggest that for those who either score below 400 in Pre-TOEFL or below 15 in placement test will have to take an intensive English preparatory course during summer holiday for about 45 hours to relearn all basic English, and attend tutorials during each academic year.

Language Training for existing students / faculty / staff
1. An assessment test (Pre-TOEFL) was conducted to find out the actual level of all our students and the results were used by the students for self-assessment in the year 2006. Those who scored less than 400 in the test would be provided with tutorials.
2. An English Club was set up by the Student Union in the Academic Year 2006 with the support and guidance of the LPC to encourage students to study English actively for enhancement of personal capabilities in English and overseas communications.
3. Sponsorship will be offered for students of Year 2 to 4 to go overseas for exchange programmes.
4. Along with English tutorials and programmes, the LPC offers other facilities and opportunities designed to improve the English Language skills for students and teaching staff. We have Language Laboratory (English and Mandarin), therefore, KWNC members are provided multiple ways to study and take an active role to improve their bilingual skills.

Language Requirement upon graduation
It is suggested that all the newly recruited students, starting from Academic Year 2006 must get a pass in the open English test, such as CET-4 upon graduation. Failures will delay their conferment of the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing until they get a pass in the CET-4 or equivalent open English test such as IELTS or TOEFL within one year.

English Teaching and Learning on campus
For English teaching, the College is offering a comfortable and tranquil environment to motivate students’ learning. We have English speaking volunteer tutors to assist English teaching staff in increase of the opportunity for students to improve conversation ability. Since there is difference between each student’s ability to learn, tutorial and guided learning groups are used for teaching and learning. Given that English is an international language, our students would profit from the great varieties of experiences and educational backgrounds of the faculty and volunteer tutors.

Conclusion
Finally, we believe that provided with sufficient teaching resources, good teaching strategies and qualified faculty, “Two Languages and Three Dialects” policy will not be a burden for students. It strengthens the global competitiveness of KWNC students in their profession. Therefore, this policy is considered to be a broad and long-term perspective for this College.