This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

Mobile Learner Training Programm

Personal Skills

Language Skills

Work Placement

Hosting Country

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

Module 2: Language Skills

part : Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO THE MODULE

Module number: 2

Module Title: Language Skills

Module description:

This is the second, out of four parts of the ‘Learner Training Programme’ preparing the candidates for the mobility to EU countries.

‘Language Skills Module’ consists of the following parts:

Part 1: Preparation - evaluation of language skills

Part 2: English training programme

Part 3: Hosting country’s language training

The aim of Module 2 is to help the learner feel more comfortable about the new working environment abroad regarding the language skills. Part 1 is a short preparation aiming to evaluate English language skills of the learner. Part 2 is to improve English language skills necessary to communicate, especially in the working environment during the mobility/work placement. Part 3 part focuses on simple basic and important expressions in the language of the hosting country which can be useful during the mobility.

It should be pointed out that this is not a traditional language training but a short part of the whole longer programme developing learner’s competences. The aim of this module is rather to make the learners aware of the importance of learning languages in the modern labour market and to show them the possibility of self-learning and to support them in this task, than to develop his/her language skills.

Language skills level:

It is assumed that the candidate’s level of English should be at least A2 (Basic user who can understand sentences and

frequently used expressions and can communicate in simple and routine tasks).1

At the same time, there are no requirements regarding the level of language skills of the hosting country, however, it would be strongly recommended that they have at least basic knowledge of this language.

1 For descriptions of English levels go to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_European_Framework_of_Reference_for_Languages

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

Time:

Module 2 training consists of 6 hours of face to face sessions(F2F)plus online or/and individual work of the candidates without specifying the number of hours. It is simply not possible to make any recommendations because of different educational background of the candidates, previous experience or learning context.

Method of delivery: Both group and individual work

Involvement and roles: An English teacher from the sending organisation will be responsible for checking the candidates’ knowledge of English and will run face to face sessions.

The candidate may continue working on his/her English before and during the stay in the hosting country if it is possible and in the way that will be available and suggested by the hosting organisation.

Similarly, the candidate may get support from the hosting country before and during mobility. If it is possible he/she may get support also from the sending organisation.During one of the F2F sessions the candidate will be familiarised with the available online sources providing some basic words and expressions in the language of the hosting country. It is assumed that the candidate will naturally learn more during the mobility when socialising/functioning in a foreign country environment, i.e., thanks to the support from the members of peer mentoring group. However, the success of this module depends on the candidate, his/her motivation and the time he/she will invest in self learning.

Notes: When delivering part 3 of the module, it is strongly recommended to provide the learner with a glossary of basic language used in particular work places, prepared by mentors (see MOBILE Mentor Training Programme - Module 1. Introduction on mobility).

Learning outcomes: Each part of this module links to specific learning outcomes, taken from the Learner Competence Card. After the training, ideally, the candidate should develop his/her language skills, be able to communicate (use and understand simple English expressions in everyday situations at work and when socialising) and use some basic expressions in the hosting country language, also in the work environment, especially if he goes for work mobility to the country where he cannot communicate in English.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

STRUCTURE OF THE MODULE:

Part 1 Unit subject / topic remarks

Preparation 2.1.1. Evaluation of language skills Work: Individual Group Time: F2F sessions: 2 hours Self learning: -

Part 2 Unit subject / topic remarks

English training programme

2.2.1. Practising English:

Everyday communication (informal language tasks e.g. functional instructions, exercising how to order food)

Work: Individual Group Time: F2F sessions: 4 hours Self-learning: according to individual needs

2.2.2. Practising English:

English for working environment, including health & safety

2.2.3. Cultural communication:

Communication styles, cross cultural communication

False friends,

Body language

Part 3 Unit subject / topic remarks

Introduction to hosting country’s language – reasonable training

2.3.1. Self-assessment test or your state of knowledge of the foreign language of the hosting country (if available and necessary – different than English)

Work: Individual Group Time: F2F sessions: - Self-learning: according to individual needs

2.3.2. Everyday communication

Basic language at work

2.3.3. Ongoing language training at hosting partner school / organisation (suggested, if possible)

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

LEARNING MATERIALS

Module 2: Language Skills

part 1: Preparation

Unit subject / topic resources

2.1.1.

Language test

Resources for activity 1:

Online links to test the level of English (suggestions to choose from):

68 questions for English level test with test results, [online]<http://www.englishjet.com/english_courses_files/test_level.asp> 50 questions for general English level test with test results, [online]http://www.englishtag.com/tests/tests.asp 50 questions for general English level test with test results, [online] http://www.ilsenglish.com/quicklinks/test-your-english-level

learning outcome

Student’s awareness of his/her English language skills level

MOBILE Learners’ Competence Card

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

Work assignment for the student:

ACTIVITY 1. EVALUATION OF YOUR ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS

Time: 2 hours(F2F)

Tools: computers with the Internet access

Work: Individual Group Tips for the learner:

1. F2F:Under the supervision of the English teacher, who will provide you a link to the online test, do the English

placement test.

2. F2F:You will get the result at the end of the test. Then teacher will help you to make plans for your further language

skills development, according to your needs and connected to your mobility plans.

Tips for the teacher: 1. Provide the learner with the English placement test. You can choose one of the suggested links or suggest another

one. After getting the results, discuss with the learner his/her plans for work mobility and help him/her to make plans

for language skills development.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

Module 2: Language Skills

part 2: English training programme

Unit subject / topic resources

2.2.1. Practising English: Everyday communication

Resources for activity 2:

Online links (suggestions to choose from):

Travel English: http://www.esl-galaxy.com/survival.html At the doctor’s: http://bogglesworldesl.com/doctor_roleplay.html http://www.web-esl.com/droffice/dr1.html http://www.agendaweb.org/vocabulary/health-illness-exercises.html Mix of topics: http://www.englishmedialab.com/survival.html

2.2.2. Practising English: English for working environment, incl. health &safety vocabulary

Resources for activity 3:

Health & safety vocabulary: http://www.esolcourses.com/content/englishforwork/functional-skills/functional-skills.html

Safety vocabulary (some examples in detail): http://www.esolcourses.com/content/topics/health-and-safety/fire-safety-words.html (basic) http://www.esolcourses.com/content/englishforwork/functional-skills/health-and-safety/grammar.html (theory+matching) http://www.esolcourses.com/content/topics/health-and-safety/fire-safety-picture-quiz.html(basic: matching) Resources for activity 4:

English for work: http://www.esolcourses.com/content/englishforwork/englishforwork.html

2.2.3. Cultural communication / cross cultural language, false friends, body language

Resources for activity 5:

NA

Resources for activity 6:

M2.A.6_Tasks for Trainees Considering Placement.doc

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

learning outcome Express thoughts, facts and opinions verbally using basic language to work and communicate with the people

Interact with individuals and groups in an appropriate way

Use appropriate communication methods by asking questions to gain information or to clarify

Is aware of cross cultural language

MOBILE Learner Competence Card

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

Work assignment for the student: ACTIVITY 2.EVERYDAY COMMUNICATION (ROLE PLAY)

Time: 1 hour (F2F) + individual work according to the needs

Tools: role play cards

Work: Individual Group

Tips for the learner:

1. F2F:You will act out different situations from everyday life. Your English teacher will give you instructions. Read

the card with the description of the situation and your role card. Act out a dialogue with another learner/s.

2. F2F:Listen to the feedback from your teacher, make notes and go online to improve your vocabulary and

grammar (if necessary).

3. Individual work: Search for useful links for practicing English or use the ones suggested by the teacher.

Tips for the teacher: 1. Depending on the learners’ needs as a teacher practise with them conversations (role plays) on the following

subjects:

Travelling

Shopping, going out

At the doctor’s OR Alternatively introduce the students to the useful links and explain how to navigate the suggested

web pages for self learning.

2. Suggest the learners practise English at home, online. You can suggest some links to learners or give them a choice to do their own research.

ACTIVITY 3. ENGLISH FOR THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT - HEALTH & SAFETY:

Time: 1 hour (F2F) + individual work according to the needs

Tools: computers with Internet access

Work: Individual Group

Tips for the learner:

1. F2F:You will be provided with a link to useful vocabulary. Your teacher will provide explanations connected with

language and technical activities, i.e. how to use the link/s efficiently.

2. Individual work: Practise your English. Search for more useful links for practise or use the ones suggested by

the teacher. After some time do the exercises online to check if you remember the vocabulary.

Tips for the teacher: 1. Introduce vocabulary connected with health and safety in the work environment focusing on the learner’s needs

(depending on the profession/mobility work place). 2. Introduce the learners to the useful links (given under resources/table above or other) and explain how to navigate

the suggested web pages. 3. Suggest to the learners to practise more at home, online.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

ACTIVITY 4. ENGLISH FOR WORKING ENVIRONMENT – AT WORK:

Time: 1 hour (F2F) + individual work according to the needs

Tools: computers with Internet access

Work: Individual Group

Tips for the learner:

1. F2F:During the face to face session you will be provided with a link to useful vocabulary: choose the subject

which is the closest to your work placement. Your teacher will provide explanations if necessary (connected with

language and technical tasks, i.e., how to use the links efficiently).

2. Individual work: Practise your English. Search for useful links for practice or use the ones suggested by the

teacher. After some time do the exercises online to check if you remember the vocabulary.

Tips for the teacher: 1. Introduce vocabulary connected with the work environment focusing on the student’s needs (depending on the

profession studied). 2. Introduce the learners to the useful links (given under resources/table above or other) and explain how to navigate

the suggested web pages. 3. Suggest to the learners to practise more at home, online.

Activity 5.CULTURAL COMMUNICATION, FALSE FRIENDS, BODY LANGUAGE

Time: 1 hour (F2F) + individual work according to the needs

Tools: -

Work: Individual Group

Tips for the learner:

1. F2F:During the face to face session your teacher will explain the necessity to distinguish between slang, informal

and formal English and will provide examples of improper use of expressions ( from songs or films) in the working

environment.

2. Your teacher will also provide examples of ‘false friends’ you have to be aware of when communicating in

English.

3. Your teacher will also remind you about the importance of body language and provide examples of non-verbal

language which may result in the wrong impression of a person.

4. Your teacher will ask you to reflect on the above mentioned aspects and discuss it with other learners.

Tips for the teacher:

1. Explain to the learners the necessity of distinguishing between slang, informal and formal English.

2. Provide examples of:

a. improper use of expressions (from songs or films) in the working environment

b. ‘false friends’ learners have to be aware of when communicating in English

c. non-verbal language which may result in the wrong impression of a person

3. Ask learners to reflect on the above mentioned aspects and discuss it with them.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

Activity 6.SELF LEARNING – PRACTISING ENGLISH*

Time: according to individual needs

Tools: Paper and pen or computer with printer

Work: Individual Group

Tips for the learner:

1. Individual learning:Depending on your individual needs use the table below to make a list of the most important words and phrases that you are likely to need in your work or free time abroad. It can be also be useful to make a list of false friends or even descriptions of certain gestures.

2. Make a table with 3 following columns for word/sentences in: (a) your own language (b) in English (c) in the language of the hosting country. You may use the ready resource: M2.A.6_Tasks for Trainees Considering

Placement.doc

3. Write down the expressions or sentences in your own language and in English. Later (part 3 of the module) you will be also asked to write a translation in the target language.

4. Practise them. * Activity inspired by LEOPLUS TOOLKIT - Tasks for Trainees Considering Placement p. 8/11.

Tips for the teacher:

1. Provide the learner with a link to or hard copy of:

a. M2.A.6_Tasks for Trainees Considering Placement.doc and

b. The Glossary of basic language used in particular work place prepared by mentors.

2. You will get the second document from the MOBILE Mentor Training Programme - Module 1. Introduction on

mobility. The learner will need it for individual work in Module 2. Language Skills: Part 3 – Activity 9. Basic

language at work environment (see below).

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

Module 2: Language Skills

part 3: Introduction to the hosting country’s language – reasonable training

Unit subject / topic resources

2.3.1. Self-assessment test or your state of knowledge of the hosting country’s language(if available and necessary – different than English)

Resources for activity 7:

NA

2.3.2. Everyday communication Basic language at work environment

Resources for activity 8:

What language do you want to learn? The fun and easy way to learn 14 following languages online: Danish, Dutch, German, English, French, Indonesian, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish Turkish

http://www.babbel.com/ or https://lp.babbel.com/d/ENG_index.html?l2=ALL&ch=ORG

Resources for activity 9:

Glossary of basic language used in a particular work place prepared by mentors (see MOBILE Mentor Training Programme - Module 1. Introduction on mobility).

Resources for activity 10:

M2.A.6_Tasks for Trainees Considering Placement.doc

2.3.3. Ongoing language training at hosting partner school / organisation (suggested, if possible)

Resources for activity 11:

NA

learning outcome Use basic words / sentences to work and communicate with the people

MOBILE Learner Competence Card

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

Work assignment for the student:

ACTIVITY 7. Self-assessment test or your state of knowledge of the hosting country’s language

Time: according to individual needs

Tools:computers with the Internet access

Work: Individual Group

Tips for the learner:

1. Individual learning: If necessary, do self-assessment test of the hosting country’s language (different than

English).

2. If you have enough skills, try to prepare general information about your own country, your home town and /or about your school in the hosting country language before you go for work mobility.

3. In some countries, you may get support from the teacher. Ask for this possibility.

4. After some time do the exercises online to check if you remember the vocabulary.

Tips for the teacher:na

ACTIVITY 8.Everyday communication

Time: according to individual needs

Tools:computers with the Internet access

Work: Individual Group

Tips for the learner: 1. Individual learning: Try to learn or improve skills in the hosting country language.

What language do you want to learn? You may use the website:http://www.babbel.com/ or

https://lp.babbel.com/d/ENG_index.html?l2=ALL&ch=ORGfor fun and easy way to learn 14 following languages

online: Danish, Dutch, German, English, French, Indonesian, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian,

Spanish, Swedish Turkish.

2. You can search in the Internet for other websites providing lessons for different languages.

3. In some countries, you may get support from the teacher. Ask for this possibility.

4. After some time do the exercises online to check if you remember the vocabulary.

Tips for the teacher: na

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication (communication) reflects the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Learner training

programme

ACTIVITY 9.Basic language at work environment

Time: according to individual needs

Tools:computers with the Internet access

Work: Individual Group

Tips for the learner: 1. Individual learning:During F2F session when working on Activity 6. SELF LEARNING – PRACTISING

ENGLISH, teacher provides you with the Glossary of basic language used in particular work place prepared by

mentor.

2. Try to learn familiarise yourself with the words and phrases required by the work based mentor you will work

with, in the hosting country language.

3. In some countries, you may get support from the teacher before your mobility. Ask for this possibility.

Tips for the teacher: na

ACTIVITY 10. Everyday communication and in work environment Time: according to individual needs

Tools: Paper and pen or computer with printer

Work: Individual Group

Tips for the learner:

1. Individual learning:Continue the table from the Activity 6. Write down the translation of previously written expressions or sentences in your own language and in English. Practise them.

2. If you cannot find the translations, you can ask for help when you are in the placement.

Tips for the teacher:na

ACTIVITY 11.ONGOING LANGUAGE TRAINING AT HOSTING ORGANISATION

Time: according to individual needs and possibilitiesTools: depends on the hosting organisation programme and facilities

Work: Individual Group

Tips for the learner:

1. If there is a possibility of contact with the natives of the hosting country before mobility: get in touch with them

and ask for any information (including language) that could be useful during your mobility/work placement.Ask

for this possibility at the sending organisation.

2. Learn hosting country language during the work placement. Use any available language training and personal

contacts.

Tips for the teacher:na