English Communication Skills

(ELCS Course proposal)

Course Description

This unit is designed and recommended for M.Sc. students wishing to improve their English language ability not only in an everyday business context but also to develop confidence in everyday language situations. It is skills-focused and aims to improve grammatical accuracy and vocabulary.

Course Duration

The suggested Course Length will be 30 hours of directed study offered in the evening once a week with a proposed time slot from 19:00-21:00. Additional Time will be required by all students to complete the practice exercises and required reading to successfully achieve the course outcomes.

Language Level and Background

The course is designed for M.Ss students who have successfully completed a Bachelor of Computer Science degree or equivalent in an English program or who have had experience of the kind of formal academic study and current IT employment which involves elements of reading, writing and speaking.

Course Content

This is an ELCS proposed English Communication Skills course and focuses on the development of business English skills with a balance of speaking, listening, reading and writing tasks. Additional focus is placed on the particular needs Thai students to become more confident in their ability to play an active part in conversations. Throughout the course, students will be acquiring the grammatical knowledge to develop their business writing skills and to use the language confidently for socializing with colleagues and clients, using the telephone, business presentations and meetings.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the unit M.Sc students will be able to:

use the language and format required for business writing. E.g. letters, email, memos and reports.

make dynamic business presentations and be able to participate effectively in seminars and business meetings and discussions with confidence

use speaking and listening skills to play an active part in everyday situations including understanding the newspaper, TV and film.

Learning Methodology

The teaching methodology is task-based and highly interactive, including pair-work, group-work and individual tasks presented in a systematic and organized manner. As most students are currently employed within the IT industry they will constantly be encouraged to critically think, listen and exchange current ideas and experiences in a relaxed and comfortable learning environment.

Learning Expectations from Students

Students are required to attend all classes prepared and on time. Students are also required to participate in class activities and engage in class discussions, complete exercises and undertake a range of self-directed study activities to enhance their performance and confidence.

Course Materials

Students may be required to purchase a single ELCS course book for the unit and where this is the case the lecturer will inform them at the first meeting. As part of the course is topic based a mixture of course materials will be used including television, DVD’s and selected social topic readings for discussion.

Proposed format of the program

15 sessions of 2 hour duration.

Session 1-5 Business Presentations

Sessions 6-10 Everyday Business Writing

Sessions 11-15 Topic Based Conversation/Everyday English