DTU Veterinærinstituttet
Background
A department of the DTU Veterinærinstituttet contacted BLS as it was felt that many of their laboratory technicians needed to improve their spoken English skills. The institute often welcomes foreign students and scientists who cannot communicate in Danish, and also receives telephone calls from non-Danish working partners. All participants met individually with the relevant BLS language consultant to discuss and assess their needs and levels, and then 3 groups were formed.
Objectives
The key requirements of the training were to enable the laboratory technicians to communicate orally with non-Danish colleagues and working partners. It was important that the course contained a mixture of the technical vocabulary required to communicate professionally, but also general everyday conversation practice to enable the participants to be friendly and welcoming.
Approach
The technical language needed for the very specific work carried out by the laboratory technicians required careful research, and materials were prepared in close collaboration with the organisation. The focus of all three groups was very similar, but with a differentiation in terms of levels, so materials were prepared for elementary level, intermediate level and upper intermediate level. Participants were also encouraged to give brief presentations about their professional role and daily work to allow them to use the precise terminology which was most relevant for them. The social language was mostly introduced and practiced through role plays and discussion activities. Each group received a course of 37 lessons over 19 weeks at the organisation’s premises on Lindholm Island near Kalvehave.
Results
The attendance levels and feedback received after the courses were very good. All participants felt that they were better equipped to communicate in English at work in a professional and social context. The courses are to be repeated with each group progressing to a higher level, and some new participants joining.
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