Implementing a Cultural Model to Increase English-Language Proficiency at an International College

Janice Lee Scarinci; Edward Howell

doi:10.7595/management.fon.2018.0014

Janice Lee Scarinci Southern Utah University
Edward Howell Keiser University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7595/management.fon.2018.0014

Abstract

Research Question: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of an American Cultural Model to an existing English as a Second Language (ESL) program improved the performance of international students. Idea: The English language proficiency is essential for students in global emerging economies in order to be competitive, and our study can be generalized to learning other languages within the respective cultural model. Motivation: The results of our study can be applied to higher education worldwide since currently the international business language is English. Data: The data collected were analyzed and interpreted to determine whether cultural training improved scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Tools: Two groups of incoming students were compared as the treatment and control groups, using the t-test with appropriate statistical package. Findings: Data analysis showed a statistically significant difference in TOEFL scores between the control group and the experimental group benefiting from the implementation of the Introduction of the American Cultural Model. Contribution: The English language proficiency is essential for students in global emerging economies in order for them to be competitive, and our study can be generalized to learning other languages within a respective cultural model.

Author Biographies

Janice Lee Scarinci, Southern Utah University

Dr. Janice Scarinci is a Professor at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. She has earned her Ph.D. in Tourism at James Cook University in North Queensland, Australia on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. Dr. Scarinci has taught Hospitality and Tourism in 5 countries on 3 continents and has over 20 years of academic experience as a Department Chair and Director of a Hospitality and Tourism Institute. Her research interests include guest satisfaction, motivation and marketing, sustainable tourism and lodging and the effects of international travel on employable skills and experiential learning. She has published in peer reviewed journals, presented at international conferences and has published book chapters on these topics.

Edward Howell, Keiser University

Dr. Ed Howell has always been fascinated by what makes people tick and the relationship between motivation and success in his students. Following a 25-year career as a financial executive in banking and securities, as well as eight years as an elected official, Ed is now a university Professor and Chair of the Economics & Finance in West Palm Beach, Florida. He received his Doctor of Education degree in 2013. Ed holds an Experimental Sciences degree from Aix-en-Provence, France, a B. A. from Vanderbilt University, and a Master's in Economics and Finance. Dr. Howell co-authored the publication of a self-improvement workbook in 2017 under the title of What Are You Waiting For. He has authored other various short articles and essays; Dr. Howell’s Wheel of Motivation © emphasizes his teaching focus: motivation and application. "I want to see my students wanting to learn and feeling that they can confidently handle any new situation that comes their way after graduation," he says. Ed is married to Jayne and they have five children together; two cats make up a family of seven. Ed and Jayne live in Jupiter, Florida.