Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

This module is suitable for students whose first language is not English.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

To enable students to give effective academic presentations by:

• raising awareness of the process required to prepare an effective presentation
• developing an understanding of the structure and linguistic features of a successful presentation
• encouraging students to reflect and act on tutor feedback from a practice presentation

Outline Of Syllabus

The module takes a practical approach to developing academic presentation skills. A particular skill is introduced in each lesson and this skill is practised through a variety of speaking activities. The skills covered include:

• structure
• slide design
• delivery
• functional language for presenting (welcoming, signposting, referring to visual aids, responding to questions)

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to:

• understand the process required to prepare and deliver an effective academic presentation
• understand the importance of structure and signposting language in an effective academic presentation

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to:

• use appropriate eye contact, body language and pace to engage the audience
• use visual aids to effectively support the message
• deliver a presentation within a time limit
• deal effectively with questions from the audience
• use appropriate signposting language to signal structure and transitions

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Small group/pair work maximises opportunities for interaction, thus giving individual students more ‘speaking time’ than other methodologies. Pre- and post-listening tasks, problem-solving activities, discussions, role plays and simulations are used to encourage students to participate actively and negotiate meaning for better communication. Small group/pair work enables the teacher to individualise feedback. Video and audio recordings are used in listening tasks to expose students to a variety of discourse types, topics and accents. Private study is essential to extend and consolidate learning and this is encouraged with the coursework preparation.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module is assessed by the delivery of a 10-minute oral presentation (100% of formal assessment).

The speaking test is a 10-minute presentation followed by questions from the audience. This tests students’ ability to present information clearly and concisely and answer questions from the audience. There will be a single re-sit for any student that fails the speaking test. Students are considered to have failed these tests if they score 39 or less. The re-sit will take the form of a 15-minute interactive assessment with two examiners. The procedure of this assessment will be clarified in advance. It is designed to assess your communicative competence in listening and speaking. It will take place during the re-sit period.

Additional Module requirements:

(1) Candidates are required to attend 75% of the scheduled classes. If the student falls below 75% attendance, the decision on the final mark for the module will be deferred until successful completion of a bespoke assignment. In the assignment, students will have to demonstrate that they have processed and understood the sessions missed. This will take the form of self-study tasks and reflective writing. If the bespoke assignment is of a satisfactory standard, the student will pass the module, but with their mark capped at 40. If the bespoke assignment is not completed to a satisfactory standard, the student will receive an overall mark of zero for the module.

(2) A student who attends less than 50% of the classes will be judged to have failed the module. In this instance, a re-sit will be required during the normal re-sit period. In addition to the re-sit, the student will still be required to satisfy 'module requirement (1)' outlined above.

(3) Students are required to submit all assessed elements of the module. A student who does not submit or complete one element of the assessment will be judged to have failed the module.

General Notes

Original Handbook text:
This module aims to develop the skills and strategies needed to understand lectures and discussions on academic topics and participate actively in seminars and tutorials. You will improve your listening and note-taking skills and develop strategies to maximise comprehension. You will have the opportunity to give presentations on topics related to your field of study and receive feedback from your teacher and fellow students. You will also take part in other speaking activities, including group discussions and role plays. Some of these activities will focus on the language of social interaction in a university environment.

The class meets once a week for a two-hour session.