Title: Language skills and intercultural communications in TNE settings
Speaker 1: Alan Allman
Title: Developing language skills in TNE undergraduate students
Abstract: Global competition between universities and a need to strengthen international profiles often means teaching certain degree courses through the medium of English. TNE students need to be given the opportunity to develop their English language skills in an academic context while studying for their undergraduate degrees. At Queen Mary Engineering School, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, first-year undergraduates study two modules designed to develop their academic English. This talk will discuss some of the pedagogy used in these classes, along with some examples of activities done with the students. The aim of this talk is to show the benefits of having specialised English language modules as well as leave attendees with practical ideas they may be able to transfer to their own teaching and learning contexts.
Bio: Alan Allman is a lecturer in Language for Science and Engineering Transnational Education. In his role, he aims to enhance the students’ academic English language skills for success in their future engineering careers. Alan is interested in English for Academic Purposes, Content and Language Integrated Learning and collaborating with subject specialists to help align syllabus and programme objectives.
Speaker 2: Luqman Ahmed
Title: Raising awareness about intercultural communication in TNE settings
Abstract: China's education system strongly emphasises improving English communication skills, leading to a rise in TNE partnerships. Successful integration and cross-cultural communication are essential due to the changing nature of academia and the workforce. This presentation explores intercultural blind spots from teachers' and students' perspectives, identifying ongoing issues impacting classroom communication dynamics and external factors at Queen Mary Engineering School in Xi’an, China. Most research has been conducted at a macro level, primarily on English language courses, with minimal research done at a micro level, particularly when studying intercultural communication in science and engineering classrooms. Therefore, the aim of this presentation is to raise awareness of the importance of classroom interactions between teacher-student and student-student and to identify best practices.
Bio: Luqman Ahmed is a lecturer in Language for Science and Engineering Transnational Education. Through his teaching pedagogy he strives to improve students' academic and communication skills by creating an inclusive environment. Luqman is interested in studying intercultural communication and classroom dynamics, particularly regarding student and teacher interactions.