Maritime English course recognised for innovation
A University of Tasmania English language course designed to help future maritime officers communicate effectively and avoid seafaring accidents will be recognised for its innovation at the English Australia conference gala awards dinner in Perth, WA on September 26 2013.
UTAS English Language Centre manager Rob Youngs will accept the award on behalf of a dedicated team which includes ELC staff Lauren Faulkner, Christopher Jones and former Centre manager Amy Lewandowski, who was instrumental in establishing and developing the program.
The course, which was developed in conjunction with AMC subject co-ordinator Neil Pereira and the wider staff of the Australian Maritime College, has already been instrumental in helping university professors from China and a large body of students from United Arab Emirates shipping companies.
According to Mr Youngs it became evident that a significant number of students studying diploma and undergraduate maritime courses were struggling with the particular characteristics of maritime language and because of this were at risk of not completing courses once they were admitted, or potentially confusing instructions once at sea.
Mr Youngs said that standard English language admission requirements through external English language tests did not adequately prepare students for the plethora of maritime jargon and specific language relating to their occupation.
"In a worst-case scenario, verbal confusion between ship operators in port or at sea could, and in fact has, caused maritime disasters," he said.
This course includes a range of content units that cover:
- Maritime and academic-specific language knowledge, understanding and practice necessary for articulation into tertiary level courses at the AMC;
- Development of industry-specific communication appropriate for maritime employment;
- The development of academic and study skills necessary for successful tertiary study in Australia;
- Practical application of language through field trips, virtual scenarios using the AMC ship simulator and links with AMC lecturers and guest speakers.
"We are thrilled that our Maritime English course has attracted this award because of its creative approach to ELICOS (English Australia English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) curriculum design to meet identified student and industry needs in Australia, Asia and beyond," Mr Youngs said.
Image: The award-winning ELC team, from left at front, UTAS English Language Centre teachers Christopher Jones, Amy Lewandowski and Lauren Faulkner and (at back) Centre manager Robert Youngs.