Module Content

• bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical, real-life situations by providing students with the opportunity to exercise their acquired knowledge and skills in all areas of study (listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and writing).
• written arguments, oral discussions, and role-play activities which will provide a dynamic platform for students to flexibly navigate linguistic nuances within diverse contexts, be they mundane or scholarly.
• collaborative work which will not only foster a sense of teamwork but also serve as a crucible for refining presentation skills, thereby preparing students for the multifaceted demands of academic and professional communication.
• creating a space where students can contribute meaningfully to group discussions by expressing ideas cogently, fostering an environment where individual voices collectively contribute to a richer tapestry of shared knowledge and perspectives.

Teaching Methods

Students will actively engage in a diverse range of meticulously designed activities during in-class sessions, aimed at enhancing their use of language in academic settings. The sessions will be structured with a pronounced emphasis on communicative activities and exercises. This approach provides students with the platform to apply their language skills through interactive discussions and collaborative tasks, encompassing group work and activities, all while fostering a culture of constructive peer and group feedback throughout the sessions.
The tasks themselves will be designed to stimulate active participation and response to academic challenges. To immerse students in academic contexts, a diverse selection of activities will be integrated into the curriculum. Collaborative learning strategies, including group discussions and peer reviews, will be employed to facilitate shared insights, as well as exchange of diverse perspectives.
Apart from direct contact hours, students will be assigned homework tasks and guided towards resources for independent learning. Regular feedback, delivered orally or in written form as appropriate, will be provided for homework assignments. The portfolio process (with tasks undertaken across the module) is a prime example of formative assessment in that students are given feedback on each element as it is undertaken. The final mark is awarded on the basis of the completed portfolio of oral and practical tasks, as well as the group presentation. Summative assessment is supported by in-class briefings and followed by feedback and feed-forward as relevant.
Self-directed learning is promoted alongside practical language application. Ample opportunities are provided for students to immerse themselves in dynamic scenarios, such as conducting mock job interviews, participating in group discussions on current events, and collaborating on hands-on projects like creating multimedia presentations. Documentation of the linguistic journey through language diaries, pinpointing errors for targeted improvement, is encouraged. Setting clear language goals provides direction, complemented by ongoing self-assessment using comprehensive checklists. Metacognitive strategies, like setting specific learning objectives before starting a task, enable students to fine-tune their learning strategies as they progress. Moreover, leveraging digital platforms like Tandem will facilitate autonomous learning outside the classroom. Task-based learning activities that require students to simulate real-world language demands, such as conducting mock job interviews and delivering persuasive presentations will also be utilised. Peer-led sessions, such as student-led study groups or collaborative project work, cultivate a culture of collaborative learning, while structured guidance on time management will provide students with vital study skills. By blending critical thinking exercises, like debate analysis and comparative text interpretation, with constructive feedback mechanisms, students gain the confidence and competence needed for effective communication in diverse contexts.

Assessment Methods

This module is assessed through one Portfolio and one Group Presentation.