English Language Class (Engineering)

Day 4: 11th October 2014
Session 1: 9.00 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.
Slot: English Language Class (Engineering)
Tutor: Ms Carole

Classroom Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, students will have:

• Practiced reading and understanding instructions
• Practiced how to analyse data and give opinions

By the end of the session, lecturers will have:

• Identified the strategies used to motivate communication in group work
• Discussed strategies for differentiation and learner centred activities

Suggested Activities

Hand Biometrics Technology (Measuring Activity)

Task : Reading and Understanding Instructions.

Instruction

1) Two sets of instructions are given according to the level of the students. Individually, they read and follow the given instructions to trace their right hand and take the measurements.
2) In pairs, students measure their partner’s hand and take another set of measurements. They compare the two measurements.
3) Next, the pairs join another group and in fours, compare the 8 sets of data and decide whether the hand measurements provide information that is reliable and unique.
4) Then, the group discuss if the hand geometry would be unique enough to be used as a security system for a museum. A task manager is elected to present the group’s opinion to everyone.

Suggestions

The lesson can be adapted for low proficiency students. Another way to support learners is to give them language frames.

Example : 

I don’t think this would work as a system because…
I have my doubt…
I agree/disagree because …

Teaching Tips

This topic focuses on vocabulary about biometrics and hands, gather biometric data and then work in teams of “engineers” to evaluate the pros and cons of incorporating a hand biometrics into a new security system for a museum.

1. Find more task based activities related to their engineering field to arouse interest in the language.
2. Implement differentiation to encourage more students’ participation.
3. Encourage the use of a variety of structures for analysis, compare and contrast and evaluation in their presentation.

Reflection
This lesson can be used in AE301-Communicative English 3 under the topic Products and Services in Polytechnics and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in Vocational Colleges. It can be modified according to their field of specialization.

Prepared by:
Norazeela bt Abdullah @ Catherine Goh
Kolej Vokasional Temerloh