Rationale ^TOP

Objectives ^TOP

The objectives of the course are to:

1. raise awareness of the types of problems students may have in perceiving and producing English sounds and to develop strategies for helping them overcome these problems;
2. raise awareness of problems that may arise in oral communication due to pragmatic features of language;
3. raise awareness about the grammatical and discourse features of various sorts of oral texts
4. develop competence in designing lessons to develop a variety of different oral-aural skills.

Course Content ^TOP

(a) Teaching Pronunciation;

(b)  Pragmatics;

(c)  The Grammar of Speech;

(d)  Teaching of Oral Communication Skills.

Assessment ^TOP

This is a problem-solving type of assignment requiring the application of concepts learned on the course. Each course participant should submit a 5 – 10 page assignment (1.5 spacing). Participants are required to choose ONE of the following topics:

1.       A Materials Development Proposal in Teaching Oral Communication Skills for your institution or your country

2.       A Proposal for An In-service Training Programme in the Teaching of Oral Communication Skills for your institution or your country

3.       A Sample Lesson Plan on the Teaching of Oral Communication Skills for a particular Grade Level

4.       An Evaluation of the Oral Communication Component of the current materials you are using in your class/ country and in the light of the insights gained from the course your proposed modifications

5.       Any other topics related to the course which you would like to work on subject to the approval of your supervisor

Course Requirements ^TOP

To complete the course successfully, a candidate must:

1. satisfy class attendance requirements;
2. attain a satisfactory standard in required course work;
3. complete an assignment.

Course Award ^TOP

The course will lead to the award of Specialist Certificate in Oral Communication Skills Training.

Admission Requirements ^TOP

Applicants should be trainers of English language teachers interested in developing students' oral skills.

The candidate must have a sufficient command of English to follow advanced study conducted in the English Language and to prepare written and oral assignments. Those from non-English medium education systems must have a recent TOEFL score of at least 550 for the paper-based test or 213 for the computerized version, or an IELTS Grade 6.5.

(If you are registering for the TOEFL test, please quote our code number 2042.  Your official score report will be sent to us directly from Educational Testing Service.)

Fees^TOP

The following are the fee components (in Singapore dollars):

• The fees indicated above are inclusive of prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• Accommodation at the RELC International Hotel is available @ S$135 nett per night with breakfast (twin room)
• Participants from outside Singapore are advised to subscribe to the Group Health Insurance Scheme at S$53.50 per month (inclusive of GST), as medical costs in the event of illness can be very high.
• The provision of S$630 for subsistence allowance should cover the participant's basic living expenses while in Singapore.
• All fees are subject to change without notice.

  NOTE:

1. RELC does not accept any responsibility for accidents on journeys to and from Singapore, or in Singapore, or for the loss of baggage and other personal belongings in transit or in Singapore.
2. RELC will also not be responsible for taking out air travel and personal accident insurance for course members.
3. Course participants are expected to set aside funds for the typing of assignments as part of the course requirements.

Application ^TOP

The following forms must be duly completed and submitted:

1. Application Form RELC A238 (in duplicate).

2. Certified copies of a valid TOEFL/IELTS result.

3. Medical Examination Form RELC A228 (1 original and 1 copy) to be issued not more than six months before course commencement.

4. Copies of degrees/diplomas/certificates/transcripts should accompany the application.  Where a transcript is in a language other than English, it should be accompanied by a certified translation into English.

At the time of application, the applicant should state in the covering letter whether the application is made for a private fee-paying or scholarship/bursary-holding course membership.  The name of the scholarship/bursary awarding agency, if applicable, should be stated.

Payment of Fees ^TOP

Fees are payable before the commencement of the course.

Refund of Fees ^TOP

Cancellations of enrolment  must be made in writing. Cancellations received before the commencement of the course will receive a refund less the registration fee.  Withdrawals after the course has commenced will not be eligible for refund.

Closing date ^TOP

The closing dates for applications are 26 February 2010 (for SEAMEO Scholarship applicants) and 27 August 2010 (for private fee-paying applicants).