Dutch communication skills for students in Physiotherapy, Sports and Physical Training [ LNEER2451 ]

The student should have the productive command of grammar and basic vocabulary and also the language skills of level B1- of the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages" (The first degree of the intermediate level).

The course is structured around field-related and socio-professional subjects.

The course aims at developing the interactive communication skills in the Dutch language, in order to make them operational in the social and professional context in which they will be used.

Reading Comprehension

This course focuses on developing the student's autonomy in reading comprehension The student should be able to read factual articles concerned with contemporary and field-related subjects and to understand them with a satisfactory level of autonomy.

Level B1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Listening Comprehension - Individual:

• to be able to follow and to understand the main points of a presentation provided it is clearly structured and the topic is reasonably familiar and field-related,
• to be able to understand the main points of most factual radio- and TV programs provided the topic is reasonably familiar and clearly articulated standard language is being used.

Listening Comprehension - Interactive:

• to be able to understand most of what is said in an everyday conversation provided standard language is being used, the topic is familiar and without having the interlocutor adapt his language.

Level B1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Speaking Skills (main objective) - Individual :

• To be able to give (after preparation) a simple and clearly developed presentation on a field-related subject and to manage the following debate.
• To be able to explain a viewpoint on a topical issue well enough in order to be understood without difficulty.

Speaking Skills (main objective) - Interactive :

• To be able to take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining your views.
• To be able to interact with a certain degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible provided the latter adapt their language level.

Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Writing Skills

• To be able to write your opinion on field-related topics.

Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Code

• Vocabulary: consolidation of the basic vocabulary and extension of the general as well as specific (field-related) vocabulary.
• Grammar: consolidation basic grammar points and of the understanding of the specific Dutch structures (passive voice, inversion, het voornaamwoordelijk bijwoord, "er, de bijzin, ').

Culture

In the development of all the above-mentioned skills the course will aim at making the students aware of Dutch and Flemish cultural aspects.

1. Continuous assessment (summative and formative) based on the active participation in the course, the presentations, different tests.
2. Oral exam based on an article prepared by the student and an improvised dialogue.

• Revision of basic vocabulary and grammar.
• Acquisition of new field-related vocabulary ' concepts by means of reading exercises, oral exercises (debates, dialogues etc'), listening exercises and vocabulary exercises.

The course is directed at interactive communication. The provided activities are aiming at the development of communication skills needed in the professional field, in commanding the code (general and specific vocabulary and grammar), necessary for putting these skills in practice. These activities will simulate real situations in which oral skills are required.

They will be of two types:

1. presentation and activation of functions of language directly linked to professional life (social skills, telephonic communication, role-playing patient-therapist)
2. individual and interactive speaking activities. This part includes a presentation on a subject related to the medical field.

• Course notes : "LNEER2451 Interactieve communicatie"
• Audio- and videotapes on subjects related to physiotherapy, sports and physical training.

• Lessons in groups of 15-20 students
• The teacher is available during his office-hour(s) and can be contacted by e-mail.