Interactive English for students in Biology

Teacher(s)

Avery Catherine (coordinator); Opello Katherine; Serbest Nevin; Simon Florence;

Language

English
> French-friendly

Prerequisites

LANG1862 (reading and listening comprehension)

Main themes

• Presentation skills : introductions, body language, links and transitions, visual aids, conclusions, Q&A
• Spoken language skills : pronunciation, word and sentence stress, common mistakes, discussions and presentation practice

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Give a professional scientific presentation in English. Demonstrate improved fluency, accuracy and confidence when speaking in public in English (target B2 level)

Content

This intermediate level 'Integrated Seminar' English course is paired with LVETE1300, in which the student must give a short presentation in English on the scientific topic of their choice.
The course is therefore designed to give the student the tools to give a professional scientific presentation in English.

1. In Q1, weekly class sessions alternate between presentation skills workshops and language skills practice, culminating in an individual mini-presentation.
2. In Q2, the student receives individual coaching to perfect their presentation.

Teaching methods

This course consists of a 1h/week class in Q1 and individual coaching sessions in Q2.
Content of the Q1 course:

• Presentation skills workshops to acquire the techniques to deliver a professional scientific presentation
• Oral language skills practice: pronunciation work and interactive activities to practise speaking and improve oral fluency and accuracy.

The Q2 coaching sessions are tailored to the needs of the student:

• correction of presentation text or PowerPoint;
• pronunciation work;
• presentation practice.

Sessions last 30 minutes and are booked at the time of the student's choice. Two coaching sessions are recommended, but the student is free to book more or fewer sessions.

Evaluation methods

The student's grade for the course can be broken down as follows:

• 20 % continuous assessment (preparation, attendance and participation in class; work on Moodle).
• 30 % mini-presentation given in class in December
• 50 % final presentation given in front of faculty members, peers and an English teacher in March/April/May

Online resources

https://moodle.uclouvain.be/enrol/index.php?id=613

Teaching materials

• Syllabus LANG1863 Integrated seminar course notes
• Page Moodle LANG1863 / LANG1868 Moodle page

Faculty or entity

> ILV