What level of English is required for the modules to be of help?
Who will benefit from these modules?
How often do the modules change?
What topics are used on the modules?
Are new words and grammar forms explained?
How many times would you recommend listening to the same module?
How will your modules help me to learn to speak English?
How will I benefit from the group discussions?
Who will get the most benefit from these discussion groups?
Where do these discussion groups meet?
What topics are discussed at the group meetings?
How will my English improve if I am talking to other students?
Q: What level of English is required for the modules to be of help?
A: These modules are designed for students who already have basic reading and writing skills in English.
Q: Who will benefit from these modules?
A: If you learnt English in school from a teacher who was not a native English speaker these modules will help you to minimise your accent and speak clearly in English.
Q: How often do the modules change?
A: As new material becomes available we add one or two new modules to our website. Eventually we will have to take some off when the list becomes too long to manage effectively. We hope there will always be a selection for regular users to find new material.
Q: How long are the modules?
A: Modules vary in length from approximately 5 minutes for beginners to around 15 minutes for advanced students
Q: What topics are used on the modules?
A: We cover a wide variety of topics so that you will learn new words as you listen.
Q: Are new words and grammar forms explained?
A: There are no explanations of new words or grammar forms because they would interrupt the flow of the piece. The whole point of the modules is to give users a feeling for the rhythm of the language, not to teach basic language and literacy. Because you have the correct spelling in the PDF text, it is a simple matter to look up new words in a dictionary.
Q: What advice would you give about using a dictionary? Is it better to have an English only dictionary?
A: The most effective way to improve your spoken vocabulary is to use both an English only as well as a bilingual dictionary. Quite often it is difficult to understand the meaning of words simply from one of these sources. It is far more effective to use both and to think carefully about the rest of the sentence and the topic of the piece.
Q: How many times would you recommend listening to the same module?
A: Try to listen to the module two or three times a day for about a week, then perhaps three or four times a week for several weeks. The important thing to remember is that this is not just ‘sound’ in the way that music is. It is vital that you follow the text with your eyes and your brain as well as your ears.
Q: How will your modules help me to learn to speak English?
A: This system has been devised by a language teacher with many years experience teaching several different languages. Most students find it easier to learn rules than pronunciation, especially as English spelling is not very consistent and many letters are written but not sounded, which is why it’s important to follow the text with your eyes as it is read out on the MP3 recording.
Q: How will I benefit from the group discussions?
A: These groups will help you to become more confident in various situations. When you come to a discussion group you will be expected to join in the conversation with your own views and opinions.
Q: Who will get the most benefit from these discussion groups?
A: Anyone who already has a good knowledge of English, but doesn't have the confidence to speak to strangers. By coming in to a small group, you'll feel less threatened and the teacher/group leader (t/gl) will ensure that you take an active part in the conversation. The t/gl will also correct any pronunciation or grammar errors in a tactful way.
Q: Where do these discussion groups meet?
A: At present the groups meet in a coffee shop in the Sydney Central Business District, very close to the Town Hall. However, if you have a group of 6-8 people, we would be happy to come to a venue near you, anywhere in the Wollongong-to-Newcastle area.
Q: What topics are discussed at the group meetings?
A: Usually the teacher/group leader (t/gl) will begin by introducing the participans and then begin with a few questions. The main thing is to encourage everyone to have a say. The t/gl will ensure there is no controversy when people disagree. The principles we uphold are *tolerance *freedom of speech, and *a fair go for all.
Q: How will my English improve if I am talking to other students?
A: The teacher/group leader (t/gl) will tactfully correct errors of both pronunciation and grammar. There will be no discussion about these during the session, but participants may like to have private tuition to help with small but specific problems.
Q: When do the discussion groups take place?
A: This depends to some extent on teacher availability. Usually they take place for one hour in the early evening, either from 6-7 or 7.30-8.30. We also have weekend groups at a variety of venues.
Q: Who are the group leaders for these discussions?
A: Most are TESOL teachers, but we also have some Native English speakers who have experience in working with NESB students and have particular areas of interest.