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What Materials?

 
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While I was out



Joined: 24 Feb 2008
Posts: 119

PostPosted: Sun Dec 26, 2010 6:11 pm    Post subject: What Materials? Reply with quote

Hi

May I ask politely what books or materials people use to teach their oil company staff?

I'm in the running for a job and they are considering changing from their current set of books to something new. (I don't know what they currently use, will ask them next time I talk to them).

To be honest I'm surprised that oil companies use General English series like Headway, but then again. Are there any good sets of technical English books people can recommend, for the higher level learners?

Are there any websites people use? Before people bite my head off, I am/will be conducting my own search too.

Thanks, and a belated Merry Christmas to you all.
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While I was out



Joined: 24 Feb 2008
Posts: 119

PostPosted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I thought I would post an update, just to keep myself informed.

http://www.eflbooks.co.uk/results.php?qsterm=oil+and+gas

Seems there are books aimed specifically at oil, gas, energy etc.
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basiltherat



Joined: 04 Oct 2003
Posts: 952

PostPosted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 1:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

hi
while these sorts of books can be useful, the major problem is that, unless one is training employees of one particular section (e.g. fractionation CPF, HVAC, HSE etc) using such materials would mean that some of the stuff would be relevant for only a few of the trainees one is training in a particular class.

the alternative, of course, is to design a short set of materials relevant for every different section/department there. This, tho, gives the trainer less scope to introduce the many basic and more complex grammatical structures that the trainees may need practice on.

i think it is generally preferable to devise a general english programme and from time to time, incorporate some work-related exercises (whether functional, lexical or whatever) into the lessons. thereby not boring those who may not find it relevant to themselves for very long.

such books are very good, tho, for the instructor to get familiar with the hydrocarbon industries and thus making it easier for instructors to do what i suggest above.

my thoughts only

basil
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While I was out



Joined: 24 Feb 2008
Posts: 119

PostPosted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 1:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Basil.

What you are saying ties in with what I'm finding out here. People from different departments with different roles, students' availability limited by shift requirements and production schedules, small class sizes and the need for general English for the majority.

I intend to match each level with an integrated book with additional reading and writing texts and teacher created materials to round out the course.

I've only used Cutting Edge with Arab learners - with so-so results, can you suggest a set that works well in your opinion?

As for the oil, gas, energy books - you think I should just buy a set for myself and use them to make extra materials as and when needed/applicable?
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Yorks Lad



Joined: 16 Aug 2009
Posts: 93
Location: England

PostPosted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 9:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Interestingly, I've just completed a DELTA and I chose ESP as my specialism for Module 3. I teach for the Army in the UK, and the military staff want everything to have a military focus. However, as Basil (and all the research I did) suggests, you need to teach them General English first. I think you can contextualise to a large degree (as you would adapt any course book to the needs of the class) but lists of technical vocabulary are not much use unless they have the language to piece them together.
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basiltherat



Joined: 04 Oct 2003
Posts: 952

PostPosted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

@WIWO

as the general english 'core', english file is as good as any, i think.

While one cannot place demands upon the company, we have found that preparing employees for cambridge exams has been a good way to go i.e. ket, pet, fce and ielts.

results give a much more objective view of each trainee's all-round ability rather than results of internal exams which are never regarded with the same respect by the company.

basil
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While I was out



Joined: 24 Feb 2008
Posts: 119

PostPosted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 2:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You both agree about General English skills before technical, so I'll be concentrating on developing their General English abilities initially.

Basil, your tip about external exams is well appreciated. I believe the company does use a test. How well administered, marked, & what it's then used for etc, is another thing.

I've also been thinking about teaching the phonemic symbols and sounds (to all levels) as an aid to reading and pronunciation.

Some great tips guys, thank you.
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