The approach to teaching is based on communicative language teaching (CLT) principles, characterised by:

• An emphasis on learning to communicate through interaction in and with English;
• The introduction of authentic texts into the learning situation;
• The provision of opportunities for learners to focus not only on language but also on the learning process itself;
• Engagement of the learner's own personal experiences as important contributing elements to classroom learning;
• Linkage of classroom language learning with language activities outside the classroom, especially students' other learning in ANU programs;
• Teaching practices that help students develop their communicative competence in an authentic context, such as pair and group work requiring negotiation and cooperation between learners, fluency-based activities that encourage learners to develop their confidence, exercises in which students practice and develop language functions, as well as grammar and pronunciation activities.

At the conclusion of this course, students will have increased skills and ability to function both linguistically and culturally in an Australian postgraduate higher education context - specifically ANU. In particular, they will have

1.       extended, higher-level academic English language skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing, both generally and within their own discipline; and

2.       improved understanding of and capacity to meet expectations of Australian postgraduate academic culture.

Exercises (in-class and homework)  based on class and reading content  - 30%

Fully researched and referenced substantial writing task (2,500 words minimum) in students' own discipline, applying English language learning - 35%

Powerpoint-supported seminar presentation and leading group discussion in students' own discipline, applying English language learning - 25%

Attendance and class participation - 10%

Note:

1.     Each writing task for assessment is submitted in two drafts. The first is given coded feedback by the tutor; students must then submit a second draft with improvements based on the feedback.

2.     Combining short exercises with the major writing task, over two drafts each, students can expect to submit a minimum of 6,000words for assessment in the course.

3.     The postgraduate course requires performance in assessment items at an appropriately more advanced and rigorous level than the undergraduate course.

2 X 2 hours per week tutorial-style classes; up to 6 hours per week personal study

Students need word processing skills, plus familiarity with MS Powerpoint.