The required level refers to the C1 level of the Common European Framework, a European frame of reference to standardize the language ability levels for the different European languages. The C1 level stands for `advanced,' the second highest qualification. Even though one in five lecturers is not at that level, it doesn't necessarily mean they speak English poorly, says Jan Beijering, head of Educational Services. `The C1 level is very high. Those not at that level get advice to improve their pronunciation, grammar or vocabulary.' As part of the test for lecturers the TCP has class assessments. `A novelty, as far as I know,' says Beijering. `Employees are watched and assessed during lectures.'
If the Executive Board is indeed planning to uphold their promise of two years, it means the TCP has to test about 1800 people: 1600 employees in academic staff and 175 in administrative and support staff.
Figures of the ITBE in 2006 show only nine lecturers followed the course spoken English for lecturers as a result of the test. So far this year, eight people have followed the course. Beijering doesn't know why so few lecturers use the opportunity to improve their English. A possible reason is a lack of time, he suspects, but maybe embarrassment too. The latter is certainly not necessary, he hastens to add.
Lecturers who performing below par after the two-year term should not teach in a master's program, said Zijm during the recent lunch. `For those people an alternative function will be found,' he said.
Lecturers don't seem too worried right now, says University Council chairman Dick Meijer. `Most of them think that it will run its course. I haven't heard a single person worry about expulsion from a master's program. The minimum requirements that have been agreed upon in the 3TU federation are reasonable. The question is whether that level is good enough for knowledge transfer on an academic level.'
UT professor of labor and organization psychology Karin Sanders agrees. `Giving a lecture is easy to practice and prepare, you can even work it all out at home. For tutorials it's more difficult. A native speaker can use different words to explain something if someone doesn't understand. If you give the tutorial in English and you're not a native speaker, you tend to repeat your explanation in the same words over and over again.'
Lectures in English if the whole group is Dutch - compulsory in the master's program- is `extremely artificial' says Sanders. `Don't get me wrong, the process of internationalization is important and as a university you should be open to that. But if that means that as a Dutch university you completely switch to English… I don't know.'
Trans. Henriëtte van Dorp
