Study Guide

Objective

The student can function in English-language situations typically encountered within the field both in speaking and in writing. The student uses a varied range of language structures and communicates with clarity. S/he knows and can use essential field-related terminology and web-based dictionaries and proofreading aids. The student can realistically assess his/her English communication skills and needs for development, and can act accordingly.

Content

Spoken and written English as used by engineering students andengineers for professional purposes.

Materials

No textbooks. Videos, news, articles etc. are used. Study materials are brought in both by the teacher and the students. Terminology study is supported with Quizlet sets created by the teacher. The students find job ads and select relevant topics for pitching.

Teaching methods

Task-based studying supported by contact sessions either in a classroom setting or online

Exam schedules

No exam and therefore also no re-exam. All tasks are to be completed acceptably by due date.
Students may be requested to defend their written work in speaking.

International connections

All topics are related to the students' other ongoing studies and to their field of study. Employment & application procedures are specifically dealt with, and the course material seeks to expand the students' familiarity with career options in the field.
Basic philosophy: language is both a form given to thoughts and a tool for building and maintaining relationships. During the English course, therefore, real issues are discussed while focusing both on what information content is conveyed and what social implications the interaction has. In other words, the aim is to behave in an effective and socially acceptable way in an English-language work environment. A further aim is to be able to discuss matters related to sustainability at work and in business in relevant English.
As regards written work, the use of e-dictionaries and spell checkers is recommended. Machine translation and AI toolsare allowed but are not to do your work for you. Any sign of mechanically generated text will result in a request for the student to explain their work in speaking.

Completion alternatives

None

Student workload

Each week, some face-to-face time in the classroom or online, some independent writing, and some discussion in small groups. The average student contribution should be about 50 h of work.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Active attendance and accepted tasks are required.

Content scheduling

Brushing up the students' work-related English communication skills.

The following topics or themes are dealt with:
-education and career options
-job application procedures, workplace communication
-the chemistry lab environment, equipment and safety at work
-spoken delivery, discussing matters within a professional context, pitching; register, politeness
-current developments (news) from the industry, focus on sustainability
-describing material properties
-STEM terminology essentials

Further information

In case online classes need to be arranged: laptop, microphone, webcam required
This is a skills course, and skills need practice. Therefore, attendance in class is compulsory.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Task-based assessment, no exam. All tasks must be completed acceptably, and active attendance and contribution are expected. A few small tests along the way on some limited subject or terminology areas (based on homework). Terminology tests need to be passed with a minimum of 40% of available points.

Numerically graded work (0-5):
- spoken tasks (1 grade for both/all tasks)
- terminology tests (1 grade for all tests)
- written homework tasks (+ possibly one task written in class, 1 grade for all tasks)

Active attendance may result in the final grade being rounded up. Inactive attendance may do the opposite.
In addition, some tasks are graded pass/fail, and must be completed in order to pass the course.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

Missing tasks or tasks not in compliance with instructions and lack of attendance may result in a failed course.
Absence can only be compensated for if a compelling reason is reliably put forward.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

- deficient mastery of language mechanics, e.g. problems with tenses or sentence formation
- pronunciation issues which hamper understanding
- message often unclear
- limited use of vocabulary
- deficient mastery of register (politeness, appropriate style, choice of words)
- tasks late or only partly completed
- little or no contribution to discussion and/or pair work in class
- for grade 1, the student must be capable of responding when addressed in speaking, and of producing grammatical sentences in writing

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student has a communicative approach to language and is willing to develop as a language user but lacks proficiency in language mechanics. However, the message is always clear and the student is an active contributor in pair/group discussions. All tasks are completed.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

- tasks completed in accordance with instructions and by due date
- close to error-free mastery of language mechanics (CEFRB2- C)
- clear pronunciation
- message coherent and clear
- good grasp of text structure
- versatile use of vocabulary
- good grasp of register (politeness, appropriate style)
- active contribution to class discussions and pair work