Page 15 - ADU Campus Chronicles

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Best Practices

Whetting language learning by enhancing engagement

through work-integrated themes

Rafik Zinoubi
Senior Instructor of English and Social Sciences
Introducing work-integrated themes to students studying English as a second
language at ADU has had a radical effect on their academic performance.
In ENG200(AA), for instance, students were required to create a convincing
portfolio representing themselves as job seekers.

This included creating a brief resume, an application email, a social media profile,
and a list of suggested responses to potential interview questions. The exercise
was designed to replicate a real-world situation. By investigating professional
sites, determining target audiences, and developing thoughtful responses,
students improved their comprehension of professional writing and sharpened
their application of communication techniques in real-world contexts.

In another instance, we integrated professional contexts in the same course by giving students the task of
examining and modeling managers’ writing styles in a variety of scenarios. Students were able to establish
their own writing voices in addition to better understanding abstract ideas like formal style, impersonal
tone, and objective language thanks to this practical method. Students gained the ability to modify their
email writing styles for various audiences and goals by interacting with real-world examples.

In addition, one of our most popular exercises
involves giving the students the task of producing
a list of do’s and don’ts when dealing with stress
in the workplace. Because each new group’s
effort expands their repertoire of successful
communication and new insights, students could
not get enough of this activity.

Certainly, compared to the use of general content,
the incorporation of work-integrated themes had
a positive impact on ENG200(AA).
Not only do students learn important lessons about
the standards and requirements of professional
communication, but they also get more engaged
in class activities and therefore increase their
achievement.

Abu Dhabi University | ADU Campus Chronicles Issue 1