UTS HELPS U:Connect: Developing Confidence and Making Connections Through Informal Conversation

Synnott, A; McDonald, M; Oh, S-E

UTS HELPS U:Connect: Developing Confidence and Making Connections Through Informal Conversation

Synnott, A McDonald, M Oh, S-E

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Publisher:: Springer Nature
Publication Type:: Chapter
Citation:: Student Support Services, 2022, pp. 537-549
Issue Date:: 2022-04-28

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	Synnott2021_ReferenceWorkEntry_UTSHELPSUConnectDevelopingConf.pdf	Accepted version	184.99 kB	Adobe PDF	View/Open

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Synnott, A
dc.contributor.author	McDonald, M
dc.contributor.author	Oh, S-E
dc.date.accessioned	2023-06-27T05:35:07Z
dc.date.available	2023-06-27T05:35:07Z
dc.date.issued	2022-04-28
dc.identifier.citation	Student Support Services, 2022, pp. 537-549
dc.identifier.isbn	978-981-16-5850-1
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/170895
dc.description.abstract	International students need a certain degree of language proficiency to be fully engaged learners at university. Where research indicates a strong link between language proficiency and social connection, scholars suggest that universities need to embrace the social dimensions of language learning. This chapter offers a case study of one language program that addresses this need, the HELPS U:Connect program at the University of Technology Sydney, which was created out of recognition that some students at UTS wanted to improve their confidence and English-speaking skills and felt isolated from the university community. HELPS U:Connect is comprised of four tiers – the Peer Advisors program, the Buddy program, Conversations@UTS, and Talkfest – which each provide students with opportunities to develop their confidence, improve their English-speaking skills, and make meaningful social connections at UTS. The majority of participants evaluated the program as being effective in these terms. Drawing on data taken from surveys of nearly 500 participating students, this chapter offers a unique insight into the benefits of language programs that emphasize a social approach. Future directions for the HELPS U:Connect program are discussed, particularly in terms of scope for further research into the benefits of the program for participants, its value for volunteers, and the potential of language programs to inspire mutually beneficial cross-cultural connections and deepen community engagement.
dc.format.extent	48
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Springer Nature
dc.relation.ispartof	Student Support Services
dc.relation.ispartofseries	University Development and Administration
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1007/978-981-16-5852-5_29
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.title	UTS HELPS U:Connect: Developing Confidence and Making Connections Through Informal Conversation
dc.type	Chapter
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Teaching and Learning)
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2023-06-27T05:35:06Z
pubs.place-of-publication	Switzerland
pubs.publication-status	Published
dc.location	Switzerland

Abstract:

International students need a certain degree of language proficiency to be fully engaged learners at university. Where research indicates a strong link between language proficiency and social connection, scholars suggest that universities need to embrace the social dimensions of language learning. This chapter offers a case study of one language program that addresses this need, the HELPS U:Connect program at the University of Technology Sydney, which was created out of recognition that some students at UTS wanted to improve their confidence and English-speaking skills and felt isolated from the university community. HELPS U:Connect is comprised of four tiers – the Peer Advisors program, the Buddy program, Conversations@UTS, and Talkfest – which each provide students with opportunities to develop their confidence, improve their English-speaking skills, and make meaningful social connections at UTS. The majority of participants evaluated the program as being effective in these terms. Drawing on data taken from surveys of nearly 500 participating students, this chapter offers a unique insight into the benefits of language programs that emphasize a social approach. Future directions for the HELPS U:Connect program are discussed, particularly in terms of scope for further research into the benefits of the program for participants, its value for volunteers, and the potential of language programs to inspire mutually beneficial cross-cultural connections and deepen community engagement.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/170895