English for Academic Communication Purposes

Group photograph of BEd English 3/2 taken November 2009.

This is the first time that I have had taught these students, which is unusual as I usually have the BEd English students at least once before their third Year. Once the new curriculum had been adopted a few years ago, the normal cycle of courses changed resulting in this being the first time that we have met. Some students will be in for a shock by the quantity of work and strict deadlines; however, I believe that high expectations are always required to achieve the desired results.     

Play the slideshow of class members by clicking on the play button.

Video of the class can be viewed here:

Our students can be seen frantically searching through my paperwork, looking for evidence that they have handed in their work before the dreaded deadline. This video shows that students can be really motivated when their lives depend on it. There are many different assignments that need to be completed as part of the course requirements, details contained below.  

Language Center
Udon Thani Rajabhat University
Course Syllabus
1553111: English for Academic Communication Purposes
2(1-2-3)

Course Description

This course develops the skills necessary in order for students to prepare and deliver oral presentations. Students will also develop skills needed to identify relevant points and draw conclusions from presentations on topics related to English language teaching and learning. The aim of this course is to equip the students with the relevant skills, so that by the end of the semester, they will effectively give presentations using organisational strategies and techniques; to consider the intended audience and be able to successfully take notes from given presentations.

Objectives

At the end of the course, students will have effectively demonstrated competence in the following:

1. Planning of the topic, focus and content of a talk.
2. Analysis and practice of required language and communication skills.
3. Choice of visual aids including PowerPoint.
4. Individual and group presentations.
5. Note-taking and the understanding of relevant points of presentations.

Secondary Objectives

In addition to the main objectives, students are also required to complete the following:

1. Successfully prepare cartoon dialogues following the guidelines laid down by the “Smooth Transitions” set of DVDs for Prathoms 1-3 using the online MakeBeliefsComix software. 
2. Take part in the Flickr networking site activities, communicating with their teacher, classmates and selected outside organizations.
3. Complete the reading of four graded readers from the Self Access Center and follow this up with conversations with their teacher to demonstrate what they have gained whilst reading.
4. Attend four of the English language film nights at the Self Access Center during the semester.
5. Take part in trials of new software available in the Self Access Center. 

Course Schedule

Evaluation

Grading system

Resources & Readings

Graham, S. (2008). ESEA College Asia. Retrieved 4th October 2009, from http://www.steves-english-zone.com/flickr.html

Hadfield, J., & Hadfield, C. (1999). Simple listening activities. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hadfield, J., & Hadfield, C. (1999). Simple speaking activities. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Hadfield, J., & Hadfield, C. (2000). Simple reading activities. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Hadfield, J., & Hadfield, C. (2000). Simple writing activities. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Manning, A., & Wilding, E. (2007). University foundation study presentations. Reading: Garnett Publishing Ltd.

Spratt, M., Pulverness, A., & Williams, M. (2005). The teaching knowledge test course. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press in collaboration with University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

Westrup, H., & Baker, J. (2005). Activities using resources. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Zimmerman, B. (2006). Make Beliefs Comix. Retrieved 4th October 2009, from http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/