boost your language skills and your grades - curtin … · to communicate effectively is a curtin...
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Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Boost your language skills and your grades
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Learning context To communicate effectively is a Curtin graduate capability, so you
need to:• Learn how to speak and write in the discourse of your discipline• Learn how to communicate your discipline knowledge in academic and
professional contexts
Minimum entry level for English is a commencing proficiency – you need to continue to develop your English academic literacy as you complete your degree.
For some students, English is not just the medium, but also a subject for study.
As a student you have a responsibility for developing your academic literacy.
Curtin provides opportunities for language and academic literacy development, beginning with PELA…
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
PELA – what is it?
PELA = Post Entry Language Assessment
It’s a short writing task that is done by all commencing Curtin students in the Communication Skills unit during the first week of semester.
There are no marks attached to the PELA, but it is a compulsory task.
PELA is a way of finding out if you need some help with academic writing.
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
PELA – how does it work? The PELA task is related to your field of study.
You will be given a topic, a question, or a short reading to respond to.
You will be asked to write about 250-300 words.
The PELA task takes about 45 minutes to complete.
If you do the PELA in class, you will be asked to write on paper and hand it to your tutor.
If you do the PELA online, you will submit your writing on Blackboard.
The PELA scripts are graded and all students achieving below a minimum entry proficiency will be required to complete an adjunct academic writing program…
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
SUCCESS – what is it? SUCCESS = Starting University Confidently and
Competently English Support Scheme.
SUCCESS is a program to help you develop your English academic writing ability.
There is a face-to-face SUCCESS program delivered on Bentley campus by the faculty-based English language specialists. It is a series of weekly tutorials.
There is an online SUCCESS program available on Blackboard. It has 10 separate learning modules.
BTW: in Science and Engineering, SUCCESS = SELL (Science and Engineering Language and Literacy).
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
SUCCESS – who should do it?
Any student who wants to develop their academic writing can do SUCCESS.
Students whose English academic writing ability may adversely affect their studies must complete SUCCESS. These students are identified through the PELA process as Required to attend SUCCESS. Students who are required to attend SUCCESS must
complete a minimum number of modules.
We strongly advise you to complete all the modules!
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
SUCCESS – why should you do it? When you study in a Curtin degree program, you need to
listen, speak, read and write in English.
When you graduate with a Curtin degree, you should be able to demonstrate the Curtin Graduate Attributes, one of which is:
Communicate effectively (in English)
If you want to use English for academic and professional communications, you must make sure you develop your English proficiency during your Curtin degree.
If you want to develop your use of academic English, you should do SUCCESS!
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
What happens if you don’t do PELA or SUCCESS (SELL)? If you miss the first week of semester or don’t do the PELA
task, contact your tutor to let them know. You should do the PELA as soon as you can!
If your PELA result shows that you need to do the academic writing program (SUCCESS/SELL), you must complete the required number of modules before the end of semester.
If you do not do the PELA and you don’t complete the SUCCESS/SELL modules (if required) this will affect your grade outcome for the communication skills unit – for example, you may get a GNS (Grade Not Submitted).
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Other opportunities….
UniEnglish
The Learning Centre
Health Sciences
Science and EngineeringHumanities
Curtin Business School
Student groups
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
UniEnglish – what is it?• UniEnglish is an online (Blackboard) tool to assess your
strengths and weaknesses in English.
• UniEnglish has a Curtin web page with English language
development information and resources.
• UniEnglish is optional and free.
• UniEnglish is accessible on any computer with internet.
• All new to Curtin students are added to UniEnglish on
Blackboard for one year.
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Taking the UniEnglish self-assessment• There are four tests in the UniEnglish self-assessment:
• Use of English/Reading
• Listening
• Writing
• Speaking
• The test tasks do not take long to complete, on Blackboard.
• Use of English/Reading and Listening tasks are graded automatically.
• You get individual feedback on the Writing and Speaking tasks.
• After you finish, your scores will be explained and you will be given
suggestions for developing your academic English.
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
How can you access UniEnglish?
Go to the UniEnglish website http://unienglish.curtin.edu.au
Look at your list of units on Blackboard:
if UniEnglish is not there, send us a request!
Look under Learning Support on the Curtin Life web page:
there’s a link to UniEnglish.
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Language and literacy development activities complement your courses and are designed to develop the language needed to succeed in your studies and for work purposes. These include a range of face to face and online activities:
Academic writing Occupational English Test preparation Professional writing Intercultural communicationThesis writing Communication skills for clinical practiceThe SUCCESS program Diagnostic tests
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
To find out more, go to the English at Health Sciences web page: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au/international/english-at-health-sciences.cfm
To enrol in workshops and access online resources, please send an email with your student ID to: [email protected]
For further information, please contact:
Dr Maggie McAlindenCoordinator, English Language DevelopmentFaculty of Health [email protected]
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Science and Engineering Language and Literacy (SELL)
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Science and Engineering Language and Literacy English language and academic literacy development are
embedded in foundation communication skills units and some core units at Second year level
For more information about language development in Science and Engineering, please contact:
Dr Reva Ramiah at [email protected]
Also, please check out our Facebook page: Science and Engineering Language and Literacy for information on workshops and tips.
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Humanities
English language and academic literacy development are embedded in foundation communication skills units
For more information about language development in Humanities, please contact:
Dr Trish [email protected]
Tel: 9266 1563
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
CBS Communication Skills CentreWho we are: Ass. Prof. Carmela Briguglio
Dr Janine Rutledge
Ms Christine Symons (English Language Development Coordinator)
How to make contact:email us at: [email protected] or visit our web page at: http://business.curtin.edu.au/study/student_support/communication_skills_centre/index.cfm
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Student groups
English Chat session – academic conversation class (every Wednesday, 12-2pm, Building 201, room 507)
CHAtS – English speaking and conversation games, organised by Curtin Volunteers ([email protected]/)
Curtin Volunteers – youth and community engagement projects (cv.curtin.edu.au Tel: 9266 3954)
Student Mentor program (mentoring.curtin.edu.au)
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Grammarly
Grammarly is a popular online editing feedback program that you can use to check your draft writing. The program allows you to copy your draft assignment into a review window so the writing software can check it. Then Grammarly gives you detailed feedback and suggestions on ways of improving the accuracy of your writing.
In 2015, Curtin is providing a free Grammarly registration for up to 25,000 enrolled students. Here’s how to set up your registration:
Go to the Grammarly launch page linked off The Learning Centre home page and set up an account, using your @student.curtin.edu.au or @postgrad.curtin.edu.au email address.
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J
For more information about Curtin services for boosting your English language and academic literacy skills…
…go to the UniEnglish Support page and click on the Ask a Question link:
http://unienglish.curtin.edu.au