Speaker
ABSTRACT
This practice-oriented presentation will discuss a 3-module English communication skills-building course across proficiency levels. Each module of the course was designed for slightly increased difficulty from CEFR level A1 to A2 and then to B1-B2. The level of interaction with peers also increased from simple, short conversational interactions to presentations, discussions, and finally to collaborative 30-minute debates. The first module focuses on basic English skills (A1-A2), such as sentence formation, describing, turn-taking, presenting, and asking and answering basic questions for information exchange. The second module focuses on reading and usage of vocabulary and information from topical readings in conversation (A1-B1). Discussion skills taught include use of names, complimenting, commenting, asking open-ended questions, and answering in more than 1 sentence. The third module of the course consists of weekly debates (B1-B2). Groups work together to choose debate resolutions, create teams, and then collaborate within those teams to develop reasons for or against the resolution. The 3 modules consisting of 4 lessons each will be discussed in detail in the presentation. The learners’ perspectives will be illustrated through course survey results, including self-reported data on level of collaboration with their debate teams, initiation vs. responding behavior in collaboration, and methods of communication.
KEYWORDS
CEFR, Communication, Presentation-discussion, Debate
| TITLE | Designing a University Multiple-Proficiency English Communication Course |
|---|---|
| RELEVANT SIG | College and University Educators (CUE) |
| FORMAT | Practice-oriented Oral Face-to-face presentation (25 minutes, including Q&A) |