Methodology

To address the needs of various academic departments and bridge the gap between students' existing general English proficiency and Academic English required in their departmental curricula, the Preparatory Division at Boğaziçi University School of Foreign Languages employs a multi-pronged methodological approach. This approach centers on a competency-based foundation, ensuring learning objectives are clearly defined and directly linked to the specific skills students need for academic success. Supplementing this foundation are communicative-based tasks and activities that move beyond rote memorization, encouraging students to actively apply their developing communicative skills in authentic contexts that simulate real-world academic interactions, such as discussions and presentations.

The School of Foreign Languages further fosters active learning through the incorporation of discovery learning methodologies. Students are encouraged to become active participants in their learning journey, exploring and constructing knowledge through interactive tools and platforms, including AI-powered language learning applications alongside in-house materials specifically designed to prepare students for their departments. These in-house materials provide students with foundational linguistic tools and conceptual familiarity to engage in academic discussions and follow their departmental lectures, which are delivered entirely in English. This engaging approach caters to individual learning styles and ensures students develop the necessary linguistic and conceptual grounding to excel in their academic pursuits. By incorporating these methods, BU SFL ensures that learners develop their 21st Century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy, preparing students to excel in their academic and professional lives.