Purposes and general description about the course

The English language course for Escuelas Normales is designed to develop students’ ability to communicate effectively in English in contexts that will be important for them. As future teachers in a society where English is increasingly important for engaging successfully with professional and social activities, it is essential that all students develop a good level of proficiency in English. English is growing in importance for accessing information, making useful contacts, understanding other cultures and participating in cultural activities. As UNESCO has said: Linguistic competencies are fundamental for the empowerment of the individual in democratic and plural societies, as they condition school achievement, promote access to other cultures and encourage openness to cultural exchange (UNESCO 2007:13). English is particularly important for students because of its role in multinational communicative settings (Hyland 2011).