For these students, working in the context of a second language is difficult and
working within this context at the university level is even more so. However, Non-native
English speaking students (NNES) enrolled in universities in the U.S. do find themselves
supported in various ways by their educational institution. Some universities offer
specific English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, either intensive or transitional,
2
some offer partner-institution programs where students may go to work on their English
skills, and yet others offer tutoring programs to assist NNES students. One of the most
familiar programs offered is the university Writing Center or Writing Lab. These
programs serve two populations, supporting and assisting native English speakers (NES)
and NNES in academic activities, most specifically writing. While these programs serve
both populations, it must be made clear that these populations share few similarities.
Silva (1993) found through research that generally second language (L2) adult writers
struggle to perform as expected in writing. Indeed, according to Silva‘s findings, L2
writing is distinct from that of native speakers. In his meta-analysis, Silva found that L1
and L2 writers differ in both composing process and features of their writing including
fluency and accuracy, quality, and structure. Silva found these differences so significant
that he believes L2 writers are best served in classroom settings specific to L2 writers