Faculty of Communication Art and Language Studies
Language Studies Programs
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The FLS at SCMT offers English language courses each semester, and occasionally courses in Chinese and Lao language. |
:: Lao Language Course ::
Lao Language and Culture
This course is designed for foreigners who are working in Laos as volunteers, experts, consultants and the like, who would like to study Lao language and culture. It provides an introduction to some of the features of Lao culture and language used in daily life and conversation in common topics.
Why we study English?
What makes us special?
How does this benefit you?
The next steps…
In order to train you, FLS has created a new innovative approach to successfully learn the English language and introduces the following programs.
- General English
- Business English
- English for teens
- Academic English
- Special English Courses
- Preparation of English Proficiency Testing
- Taking TOEFL iBT with us
“Why are a wise man and a wise guy opposite?”
Undoubtedly, English is one of the hardest languages to learn to speak, spell and write correctly. It's not easy for students to grasp a language that states that the plural of box is boxes, but the plural of ox is oxen, or some how justifies to have a least seven different ways to pronounce ough!
Yet, despite these difficulties, one out of every four persons in this world can speak English to some level of competence.
As you are well aware , it currently is the main language of newspapers, books, international business, academic conferences, science, technology, diplomacy (although the French may think differently), pop music and advertising.
In other words to get ahead, or maintain a certain position in this world, we need to be able to communicate in English. Of course this is well known, which is why presently over one million people are trying to learn English.
However , most of these people are learning the language by following set examples from their text books. This results in the ability to copy, but not to create. In other words, students who learn English this way will be at a loss when they need to say or write something original. A prime example of this is a following extract of a Japanese car rental instruction leaflet;
"When a passenger of the foot heave in sight, tootles the home. Trumpet him melodiously at first, but if the still obstacles your passage, then tootles him with vigour"
- Very poetic, but hardly effective -
In order to learn English effectively, we need to step away from slavishly filling in the blanks
Were you should step away, we will step in.
Whereas ordinary courses focus foremost on grammar rules, fill-in-the-blanks exercises and general examples for speaking and writing; our main focus is on the practical usage of the language.
This means that we aim to make students aware of how the language is used by native and non-native speakers worldwide and create an understanding about why things are said or done in a certain way, rather than setting rules that are followed by numerous exceptions.
What's more, we encourage our students to use the language themselves by making them create their own sentences instead of mindlessly filling-in blanks, guiding and correcting them in the process. In other words, we don't just teach them English; we teach them how to study effectively.
Naturally, the more advanced the starting level of the students, the more we can focus on these points. However, even with beginners it is possible to create some awareness and understanding.
How do we do it?
- Besides using regular text books, we provide our students with a personalized folder. This folder combined with an experienced instructor, will help the students to be organized, help the instructor to guide them on a personal level and it will become the perfect reference book for later use.
- Each individually created course will be supplemented with unique materials designed for the specific objectives of that course.
- Our instructors use a variety of teaching techniques suitable for the particular needs of their classes.
- Our instructors use the following equipment and materials to maximize the effectiveness of their classes:
- Clean, air-conditioned class rooms.
- Modern audiovisual equipment and overhead projectors to present their material
- Well prepared and useful hand-outs with extra information and topic related exercises
- Quizzes/tests to accurately measure the students' progress.
- Our instructors have the opportunity to use computers with related equipment, up-to-date software and a broadband Internet connection.
- Our library, with supplementary recourses and a selection of books on a variety of topics, is available for the students to do extra research.
- First of all, as the course will be specifically designed in accordance with the desires of expected employers, the final outcome will be what employers’ want, not what a random author of a random text book wants.
- The additional materials created for your specific course, together with the students' personal folders will provide you with a great reference guide for later use in your organization's daily operations.
- An advantage of our method will be that, after having thought about the how and why of a language so much, students may try to approach their work the same way, making them more effective employees.
- Most importantly, after finishing our course, you will have the confidence to communicate in English, after which you can start to improve your skills by using the language rather than studying it.
What about the outcome?
- Naturally they will improve their English skills, but they will learn to use those skills with confidence.
- Our method of using a personalized folder will help them to be better organized, so they will learn faster and more effectively.
- By having an understanding of the how and why of the English language, the students will be able to deal with situations that aren't standard text book examples.
- For the same reason, higher level students should be able to cope with the major differences between the American, British, Australian or non-native forms of English.
- Finally, we are convinced that our approach will be very useful for other parts of their self-development as well.
Now it's up to you. If you want to find out how we can improve your English and basic study skills, make you confident speakers and aware of what you are doing, then we invite you to an informal meeting.
Please feel welcome to directly contact our Faculty of English Studies at:
study-english@scmt.edu.la
The general English courses aim at young adult/adult students who wish to quickly improve their basic English skills. They will develop and practice all four essential language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), but the emphasis of these courses will be on the practical usage and understanding of the language. We offer the following courses in the General English program:
| Level 1 | Beginner/elementary |
| Book: | New English File Elementary. |
| Level 2 | Pre-intermediate |
| Book: | New English File Pre-intermediate. |
| Level 3 | Intermediate |
| Book: | English File Intermediate. |
| Level 4 | Upper-intermediate |
| Book: | English File Upper-intermediate. |
Duration:
Each total 90 hours level is divided into three 30 hours sublevels. This means that, as students will study 6 hours per week, they will complete a sublevel within five weeks and the total level within one term. (3.5 months)
The Business English courses bridge the gap between general English and the professional world of working adults; they aim at adult students who need or want to use English as an international means of communication. They will develop and practice all four essential language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), but the emphasis of these courses will be on the practical usage and understanding of the language in a working environment. We offer the following courses in the Business English program:
| Level 1 | Beginner/elementary |
| Book: | International Express Elementary. |
| Level 2 | Pre-intermediate |
| Book: | International Express Pre-intermediate. |
| Level 3 | Intermediate |
| Book: | International Express Intermediate. |
| Level 4 | Upper-intermediate |
| Book: | International Express Upper-intermediate. |
Duration:
Each total 90 hours level is divided into three 30 hours sublevels. This means that, as students will study 6 hours per week, they will complete a sublevel within five weeks and the total level within one term. (3.5 months)
These general English courses aim at teenage students who wish to quickly improve their basic English skills. They will develop and practice all four essential language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), but the emphasis of these courses will be on the practical usage and understanding of the language. We offer the following courses in the English for teens program:
| Level 1 | Starter |
| Book: | Adventures Starter. |
| Level 2 | Elementary |
| Book: | Adventures Elementary. |
| Level 3 | Pre-intermediate |
| Book: | Adventures Pre-intermediate. |
| Level 4 | Intermediate |
| Book: | Adventures Intermediate. |
Duration:
Each total 90 hours level is divided into three 30 hours sublevels. This means that, as students will study 6 hours per week, they will complete a sublevel within five weeks and the total level within one term. (3.5 months)
The academic English courses aim at university students who wish to develop extra skills related to university studies or who need to prepare for study abroad. We offer the following courses in the Business English program:
>> Academic reading & writing
This course aims at students who wish to develop or improve their academic reading (skimming, inference, context reading etc) and writing as far as writing short reports. (I need a bit more time as the how, how long and what books for this one.)
>> Essay writing
This course will be a follow-up for the academic reading & writing, aiming at students who want to learn how to write complete essays. (For this one I also need a bit more time as the how, how long and what books.)
>> Telephoning in English
This is the course for professionals and trainees in business, commerce and administration who need to be able to receive and make telephone calls. The course develops and consolidates practical telephone skills in a variety of interesting and relevant contexts. Activities range from message - taking and spelling practice to role play, providing learners with a comprehensive course in using the telephone in English.
Placement test level: intermediate or higher
>> Reading and Writing
This course aims at students who need to develop or improve their general reading and writing skills. First we will focus on basic reading (context, skimming, inference etc.) and writing well organized paragraphs, gradually changing the focus to more complex texts and writing basic essays. Finally, the students will focus primarily on the different forms and styles of essay writing.
Placement test level: pre-intermediate or higher
This course guides higher level students through the world of commercial correspondence, using real world examples and a practical approach. The course covers every thing from basic business letters and e-mails up to handing enquiries, payment and social correspondence.
Placement test level: intermediate/upper-intermediate
>> Reading and Writing Reports
This course aims at students who need to need to read and write reports in English. The students will develop their skills by using a task based approach.
Placement test level: upper-intermediate
>> English for International Negotiations
This course is built around the case-study method, and covers a variety of negotiation situations set in more than twenty countries around the world. It addresses issues such as cultural sensitivity, the need for a common language at the negotiating table, and other factors that influence success and failure in negotiation.
Placement test level: upper-intermediate
These course aims at students who need to develop or improve their skills related to the IT language. The course provides selective syllabi that. Develop specialist vocabulary, basic grammar, and functional phrases. This is integrated into a program of realistic practical tasks which improve reading, listening, speaking and writing skills.
Placement test level: Any
>> Basic Technical English
This course serves as in introduction to the world of technical English, it builds students' confidence to extract information from printed materials in a wide range of technical areas, e.g. workshop practice, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and electronics.
Placement test level: elementary
>> English for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
This course aims at technicians and engineers who need to be able to express their technical knowledge in an international setting. The course covers a wide range of topics, e.g. materials, mechanisms, forces, safety at work, engineering design, automated systems, robotics, hydraulics, process control, and CAD, which will ensure the students will build confidence to deal with their everyday work situations.
Placement test level: intermediate or higher
>> Medical English
A course for doctors, medical students and other medical professionals who need to communicate with patients and medical colleagues. The course develops all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), but the emphasis of these courses will be on the practical usage and understanding of the language, using a wide variety of activities.
Placement test level: intermediate or higher
Other options
Naturally, we adjust our basic courses to meet your requirements. However, if necessary, we can design a complete tailor-made course that will suit the specific needs of your particular organization.
Preparation of English Proficiency Testing
>> IELTS (class)
This 120 hour course is for intermediate+ students who want to prepare themselves for taking the IELTS test (International English Language Teaching System) in order to study abroad.
Book: Inside to IETLS.
Duration: 120 hours, probably eight hours a week, so the whole course fits within the term.
>> TOEFL (class)
This 120 hour course is for intermediate+ students who want to prepare themselves for taking the TOEFL test (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) in order to study abroad.
Book? They are changing the whole TOEFL program at the moment so we will have to wait and see what they come up with.
Duration: 120 hours, probably eight hours a week, so the whole course fits within the term.
Taking TOEFL iBT with us
SCMT becomes the first ETS’s Certified Test Administration Site (CTAS) in Lao P.D.R in July 2006 and conducted the first TOEFL® iBT test in Lao P.D.R at the College in August 2006.
TOEFL test preparation is available at SCMT, click.
Prospective Test Takers can find general information about TOEFL iBT at:
Register for the TOEFL iBT Test online, please click on the following link:
:: Chinese Language Courses ::
Beginner Level
Students attending this course will achieve basic proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and able to communicate with speakers of Chinese in familiar daily conversation. Students will learn the use of Chinese in common situations and to read short passages from authentic materials. Throughout the course, students will accumulate about 300 to 500 characters, learn the basic grammar rules and background knowledge of appropriate behaviors in a Chinese-speaking society.
Intermediate Level
The Chinese Today series will use authentic materials from a wide variety of sources to develop the ability to use the language to communicate in culturally, socially and linguistically appropriate ways. Pedagogically-prepared materials are used for the students to further develop students' listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Throughout the series, relevant grammatical patterns will be gradually introduced and reviewed. By the end of the course students are expected to:
- develop reading comprehension from a wide selection of authentic materials;
- handle reasonably complicated situations;
- read and write paragraph-length narratives and descriptions of real life events, as well as expositions and arguments concerning real or hypothetical issues.
Upper Intermediate Level
Emphasis is placed on advanced conversation to improve the ability to communicate in expected and unexpected situation. Readings are based on modern Chinese prose and newspapers, with a focus on academic skills. Emphasis is also placed on self-expression in problem-solving tasks, defense of decisions and classroom discussions. Presentations, weekly essays, debates, quizzes and final exam are included.
Prerequisite: completion of the Intermediate Level