The original plan read, “Research situation for English language learners (ELLs) in ENGL 1101 through the administration of surveys to students. From this research, we may create a project to provide additional ELL support to ENGL 1101 faculty and/or students.”
In late Fall 2024, a survey went to all ENGL 1101 and 1102 students. Two-hundred and sixty-three students answered the following questions:
- Which class are you taking this semester?
- For which topics do you feel like you could use help?
- Have you ever used one-on-one tutoring through Peer Education?
- Have you ever used the Writing Lab?
- What tools have you used to help you edit your essays?
- What resources would you like the campus to offer?
Students responded that they need help with organization, critical thinking, MLA formatting and documentation, grammar and mechanics, and practice with the English language.
Ten students noted that they would like practice with the English language. The number of students faculty report as struggling with language in their classes vary from 40-60 students per semester. However, only a small number of students—as noted here—acknowledge the need for help. One-hundred and ninety-four students stated that they use Grammarly to help them write essays, and twenty students stated that they use ChatGPT/AI. Eighty students stated they used the Writing Lab. Sixteen students said they used tutoring from Peer Education.
Due to an imminent change with the organizational structure of the Writing Lab on campus, this project needs to be discussed with members of Academic Affairs, Peer Education, and the Department of English.
A bilingual, part-time Writing Lab tutor was hired over the summer to assist students needing help with English as a language. Dr. Brian Hibbs, Professor of Education, volunteered in the Writing Lab in Fall 2025. Dr. Hibbs has taught Spanish courses and teaches Methods of Teaching ESOL and Applied Linguistics for Teachers of ESOL. He and I discussed Education students working on TESOL projects working with students in 1101 when possible.
Last academic year, Dr. Hibbs provided a training session for faculty on strategies for helping ELL students in the classroom.
Professors have been referring struggling students to Ms. Nancy Avila de Welles, our bilingual DSC’s Non-Clinical Case Manager/Social Worker. She provides students with campus and community resources.
To be determined since the Writing Lab is transitioning its oversight to another department.
A new plan within the Department of English will need to be discussed with the transition of the Writing Lab, and the project coordinated with other areas.
Helping students write essays when they are not proficient in the English language.
On the survey, students indicated a high use of Grammarly and ChatGPT, which means that they are clicking buttons to write their essays and not gaining language skills (or any other skills). The campus does not provide language courses, so students who need help with language skills must find community resources. Dr. Brian Hibbs does provide a community English class and is thus a resource.
