An evaluation of the English language programme at the International Islamic University, Malaysia : a case study at the students` learning enhancement unit (SLEU)

Abstract

After school/kulliyah time programmes extend learning opportunities for adolescent learners who are academically behind and at the same time provide at-level students the choice to broaden their skills. This study intends to examine if the out-of-kulliyah time programme in the Student Learning Enhancement Unit (SLEU), International Islamic University, Malaysia is effective in helping students come up to track. This study is specific to the English language programme. It described the strategies used by SLEU and how they influenced the teaching-learning process. This study involved the English language students who registered with SLEU at the beginning of each semester. The study employed the qualitative research, which is appropriate to a case study. Data was obtained by individual, face-to-face interviews to get rich descriptive information. Focus-group interviews were done with both the tutees and administrative staff. Tutors were interviewed individually. To further strengthen the case, observations of both the administrative staff and the class were carried out. In order to validate the phenomena occurrence a document analysis was made. The study revealed many outcomes: positive staff support, enhanced student learning; academically, culturally and socially, flexibility in out-of-kulliyah time classes and exemplary model in the Head of SLEU. The findings revealed that SLEU has been successful as a Unit to promote and enhance students’ learning in English language classes. At the end of the study, recommendations were made to help other teachers appreciate out-of-school/kulliyah time programme as a viable tool in any language remediation equation.