Aims and Fit of Module
This module is optional for all postgraduate students, although MRes and MA TESOL students have dedicated, program-specific English ALAs which might be more appropriate. Students admitted to the University via the Pre-sessional English course are recommended to take this module, as are other post-graduate students who wish to learn how to conduct effective oral communications in an English-medium academic environment. Program Directors may also make this module compulsory.
The main aims of this module are:
(a) To examine and practice a range of oral communication skills in an English-medium academic environment;
(b) To develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills.
Learning outcomes
A Understand and use appropriate academic language and style in oral communications
B Demonstrate critical thinking when expressing ideas and opinions
Method of teaching and learning
This module will be offered in Semester 2.
The teaching sessions are 2 2-hour seminars each week for 12 weeks. An additional 2 hour tutorial will be used for individual feedback sessions before students submit their summative portfolios.
As an hours-based module, students may miss no more than 4 seminars in order to be permitted to submit their summative assessment portfolio.
Throughout this module, tutors will use a variety of communicative language teaching/learning strategies, including the use of ICE, to reach different types of learners.