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[Betti]

I've just got a gig running a short course for students who want to go to University. As part of the entrance examination there is a short, multiple choice English exam. I've taught the first lesson and the students have a good command of English (several FCE passees) and are all aiming for medical degrees. The school (this is NOT a language school) have given me copies of some tests and mock tests. All well and good. However, as the exam is not oral, they seem to want me to do written work for the whole 2 hour lesson. This goes against my very essence. The tests are full of phrasals/idioms. To cut a long story short, I'd welcome some advice. Should I continue with my interactive approach (would still welcome some ideas)? Has anyone had any experience of this type of 'cramming'?

[ilaria]

Well, if you have FCE level students, then a typical university entrance exam shouldn't be a problem for them. The required standard is often lower than that. I have a PET class just finishing up now who are taking the exam partly because it exempts them from the English section of the university entrance test here. On the other hand, the standard could be higher for medical students, and I guess each university is free to raise or lower the bar as much as it likes.

Phrasals and idioms... So the test is mainly lexical, not grammar-based? Interesting. I agree with you - it's all well and good cramming the students full of vocabulary items - memorise this list! Now here's another one! - but it's useless to them unless they can a) understand the vocabulary in context (reading or listening) and b) produce it themselves with some degree of accuracy in communicative situations (spoken or written). In my opinion, your 'interactive approach' will do fine and will help the students more than just cramming.

As for convincing the administrators, just show them lots of paperwork. Course objectives, target language, lesson plans, classroom handouts. Especially the classroom handouts. Italian administrators love their 'schede' and aren't convinced that any learning is taking place without bits of paper to prove it.

[Betti]

Thanks Ilaria - your reply made me chuckle. These institutions surely love their paper work! There are about 20 students so, obviously, not all of them are FCE standard but their command of English is good. These, I am reliably informed, are the creme de la creme of university applicants. The English exam, if I've been given the correct info, forms a small part of the entrance exam - 60 questions, multiple choice.

Anwway, blah blah. After my posting I went home and planned the lesson my way!! I decided, I'm the teacher and this is what I think will work best...!! I've encountered learning by rote with other groups of Italian students...but it ain't happening in my class!!

[ilaria]