The ProCredit Language Centre Information for participants

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Contents

Introduction 4 Staff 7 The Courses Advice for participants

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Introduction

Introduction

What is the ProCredit Language Centre? The ProCredit Language Centre is a specialised learning institute which runs intensive residential courses in the English language. All employees from ProCredit Banks, no matter what position you have, no matter what your current level of English is, are invited to attend a course with us. Where is the Language Centre? The ProCredit Language Centre is located in Germany’s scenic Odenwald region, about 65 kilometres south of Frankfurt. Its modern and purpose-built home is situated directly opposite the ProCredit Academy, with which it shares the same tranquil and serene surroundings. Far from the distractions of everyday life, it is an optimal setting for productive learning. Why attend an English course? Not only is English the lingua franca of the ProCredit group, but a high level of proficiency in English is also a prerequisite for all participants attending both the Fürth Academy and the Regional Academy of Eastern Europe in Veles, Macedonia. The focus of all courses at the Language Centre is therefore to assist students in their preparation for the Academy programmes. This involves a combination of conventional language tuition; instruction in soft skills such as presentations, debating and essay writing; and content-based learning, providing students with important experience in active learning in English. What is life like at the Language Centre? The Language Centre offers a unique and exciting opportunity to work closely with other highly motivated students who share the same goals, from the same company, away from the distractions of work. Students feel a real sense of progress and see their improvement over the duration of their time here. Beyond just language skills, participants learn about other cultures, about themselves, about how to interact and collaborate in a multicultural setting and, perhaps most rewarding of all, many leave the course having made lifelong friends, often from faraway countries and from cultures that were previously unknown to them.

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Introduction

Both the Language Centre and the Academy are equipped with a range of facilities designed to enhance learning and make for a pleasant and comfortable stay. The Academy building itself comprises 100 bedrooms, seven seminar rooms, a large dining hall, two lounges with fireplaces, a computer room equipped with printing facilities, plus Jacuzzis, a gym and a sauna. The Language Centre offers additional bedrooms, three more seminar rooms, a large study area with Internet access, a library with an extensive collection of DVDs and books, as well as a games and leisure area where students can relax and socialise over a game of pool, table tennis or darts. For those who enjoy sports, there is a basketball court and five-a-side football pitch outside. The wooded hills around the site can be explored using well-marked paths, which provide great opportunities to walk or jog before or after lessons.

Staff

Staff

Lucie Mazoit Teacher Lucie Mazoit joined ProCredit as an English Teacher in August 2010. Prior to this, she worked in the field of marketing in London before obtaining a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) and subsequently teaching English and French in Bosnia and Herzegovina for several years. She has a degree in English and German from the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris, as well as a Master’s degree in Political and Public Communication from the Paris Val de Marne University.

Fay Parkin Teacher Fay Parkin joined the ProCredit Language Centre in September 2011. She obtained a Bachelor of English and Sociology from the University of the West of England in 2008 and a CELTA in 2010. Since then, Fay has worked in Australia and Thailand teaching English to adults and has been involved in projects working with refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. Prior to this Fay also gained valuable experience in the non-profit sector working with a number of international organisations.

Benjamin White Teacher Benjamin White joined the Language Centre team in January 2010. Benjamin graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Studies and French from the University of Bradford in the UK and has worked as an English Teacher since acquiring CELTA certification in 2006. Prior to his arrival at the ProCredit Language Centre, Benjamin worked in both Germany and Portugal and gained extensive experience of teaching professionals from across the banking and financial sector as well as NGOs and political institutions.

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Staff

Dave Evans Teacher Dave Evans has taught English at the ProCredit Language Centre since January 2008. Previously, Dave worked for a chain of language schools that specialises in teaching Business English for companies and international organisations, including the EU. He worked in Frankfurt, Brussels, Paris, Madrid, as well as Bath in the UK. Dave obtained his DELTA qualification (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults) in 2002. Dave also has a BA in French and Spanish and a post-graduate teaching qualification from Bristol University. He has five years’ experience teaching mainly French in secondary schools in England.

Charlotte Daly Language Assistant Coordinator Charlotte Daly joined the ProCredit Language Centre team as an Assistant in May 2011. She previously worked in Italy where she gained experience teaching English to both adults and children. Prior to this she also worked for two years in the field of Customer Management as a Communications Officer for a national telecommunications company. Charlotte graduated from Northbrook Art School in the UK with a BA in Fine Art Painting and Critical Contextual Studies. Upon her graduation, she worked in the UK delivering workshops in design technology at a school where she gained valuable experience in planning and organising cross-curricular lessons and activities.

The Courses

The Courses

Who are the courses for? ProCredit employees from all countries, backgrounds and positions are welcome to participate in a course at the Language Centre. All levels are catered for, from A1 (beginner) to C1 (advanced). Those who have already attended a course in the past are always welcome back to take further courses if they haven’t yet reached the level of English required for the Academy. Course objectives Courses at the Language Centre are designed to focus on developing participants’ oral and written English. Using modern, interactive techniques, classes aim to maximise student participation in order to give them sufficient practice in what they are learning. At higher levels, particular attention is given to developing the necessary skills for ProCredit employees who expect to attend the Academy courses. Consequently, increased emphasis is placed on developing students’ discussion and presentation skills, while the main focus for written work is essay writing. Course structure and content Courses vary in length and content. From January 2013, the usual length of a single course is six weeks, although some shorter courses of four or five-week durations are also organised. The courses are intensive and designed to fully immerse participants in a learning environment. All courses follow a similar basic structure and include the following elements: • First day assessment On the first day, participants take grammar, writing and speaking tests. They are also asked to make a short introductory presentation. Based on these initial tests, participants are placed together with others who have similar abilities in English. Whenever possible, care is also taken to ensure that groups include students from different continents to reflect the multinational nature of the group. As a Latin American, it makes little sense to travel all the way to Germany only to find yourself in a class mainly consisting of other Latin Americans!

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The Courses

• Morning sessions: Language-based learning Following the assessment, participants are placed into class groups made up of 8 to 12 students. From 9am until 1pm, Monday to Friday, these groups work together with their teacher on improving their language skills. The precise content of these classes is tailored to the specific linguistic needs of the individuals in the groups, and is therefore flexible and left to the discretion of the teacher. Textbooks may or may not be used, again depending on the teacher. Typically, the focus of morning classes is grammar and discussion skills, but there is also input on vocabulary building, reading and listening. Sessions on presentation skills and essay writing may also take place during the mornings. During grammar sessions, students take part in activities that encourage them to practise the language points covered in a realistic and interesting context. Some lessons will focus on international current affairs; others may make use of literature or even popular culture, such as TV programmes. Whatever the subject matter, the emphasis is on spoken communication. Traditional grammar exercises are used but don’t form the core of lessons. Most often, they are given as homework to be checked in class the following morning.

The Courses

• Afternoon sessions: Content-based learning In the afternoon sessions, which run from 2pm until 5pm, participants are introduced to a broad variety of subjects which have no direct relation to the English language. This is a chance to use English in action. The idea here is to promote active learning in a foreign language. Typically, participants can expect to cover topics related to various aspects of natural sciences and history, but other areas may also be included, such as world religions, law or art. Whatever the topic, the subject matter does not shy away from controversial or culturally sensitive issues. On the contrary, we actively encourage participants to confront taboos, challenge their own points of view, engage actively in intercultural exchange and speak their mind openly. Often, these subjects are supported by a series of carefully chosen documentaries, which are in turn supported by custom-made worksheets to ensure that participants of all ability levels are able to maximise their understanding of the content. Participants can also expect to prepare presentations or take part in interactive group activities designed to stimulate further interest in these areas.

Why are these topics included in the course?

These topics form a part of the course for two important reasons. Firstly, we know that few ProCredit employees are experts in any of these fields. That, in a nutshell, is precisely the point! Participants are quite deliberately required to engage with subjects and activities far removed from their specialised roles in the bank. In doing so, the Language Centre creates a “level playing field”: regardless of the professional position, seniority or experience that participants may have in their everyday lives, once they come through the doors of the Language Centre they are all equal. Many tasks and activities at the Language Centre revolve around teamwork, where we expect all participants to adopt and embrace this important principle. So don’t be afraid or surprised to be given a presentation topic which you know almost nothing about! This is an opportunity to learn together with others – a very rewarding experience. Secondly, the introduction to these kinds of topics is designed to facilitate participants’ preparation for the ProCredit Academy. Some of the subject matter, such as natural history, allows participants to equip themselves with a solid foundation of general knowledge in certain topics which they will revisit in greater depth later, beginning with the Academy Introduction course. With higher-level learners, the exploration of such topics should push participants to develop and apply techniques of scientific enquiry and positive scepticism.

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The Courses

Participants are encouraged to express their opinions and to defend a point of view using sound arguments. Regular discussions and debates at the Language Centre are designed to help participants examine the credibility of evidence, to distinguish fact from opinion and reason from emotion, and to identify bias and assumptions in the views of others as well as in themselves. These are valuable skills which will serve participants well both at the Academy as well as in every aspect of their lives.

Presentation skills

All participants are expected to deliver regular presentations throughout the course. Presentations involve a complex set of skills, but successful ones tend to be based on good planning and organisation (which is especially critical in group presentations), self-confidence and proper consideration to the audience. During the course, participants will have ample opportunities to practise these skills. After each presentation, participants will receive detailed feedback on their performance from the teacher, with an assessment of their strengths and advice on how to address any weaknesses.

The Courses



Writing skills

For many participants, a ProCredit Language Centre English course is the first time that they have been asked to write an essay, and for many, it is the hardest part of the course. Participants become familiar with the conventions of style and structure in formal writing, and receive advice on how to present and develop a thesis in a coherent and logical way. They are encouraged to adopt a writing style that avoids abstraction, where ideas are supported by concrete examples and evidence is taken from reliable sources. Participants also learn how to paraphrase, how to use quotations, and how to acknowledge sources; in other words, how to avoid plagiarism!

Using dictionaries to build vocabulary

A good quality dictionary is the most essential tool for any language learner. Course participants have the opportunity, with the help of their teacher, to develop their ability to use dictionaries more effectively. These simple skills allow participants not only to learn the meaning of a word, but also how and when it is used in a sentence. Good dictionaries also provide help with pronunciation, register, secondary meanings and common collocations. • Evenings and weekend excursions While the daytime lessons provide the central focus of the course, the learning doesn’t end when they do! In the evenings and at weekends, students are strongly encouraged to interact with all other participants in English, as this daily immersion in the language will help them to make the most of the course. Even the most light-hearted conversations and informal activities can help the learning process. In the evening, with the support of Language Assistants (who are native or near-native speakers of English), participants also take part in a variety of organised activities such as games, role-plays, debates, reading groups, film viewings and discussions. These provide regular and valuable opportunities to practise conversation with native speakers, as well as to engage and learn from other participants. Assistants are also there to provide ongoing support with presentations, essays and homework when you need it. Supplementary mini-lessons are also offered on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to put into practice what they have learnt in the classroom. 

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The Courses

Excursions are organised for most weekends, allowing participants to discover some of the highlights of the surrounding area, including cities such as Frankfurt, Cologne, Mainz or Heidelberg. A change of scenery refreshes and stimulates the mind and these trips away from the Language Centre offer valuable time to relax and socialise with colleagues outside of their place of study. They also provide an opportunity to discover and learn more about the German way of life and European culture. Sometimes, guided tours are organised to give participants more cultural and historical background. However, some time is always left free for shopping, sightseeing, buying souvenirs for friends and family, or simply relaxing. Don’t forget your camera!  On excursions, as well as during the rest of the weekends and evenings, social integration is greatly encouraged among all students. With our dedicated team of Language Assistants, you will not only have the chance to improve your standard of English by interacting with native speakers, but also to build lasting friendships with your ProCredit colleagues from around the world. How are participants evaluated? Teachers monitor participants’ progress throughout the course and offer feedback at regular intervals. Usually, teachers offer detailed mid-course and end-of-course feedback so that participants have a clear picture of where their strengths and weaknesses lie. Although regular grammar and structure tests are conducted during the course (usually at the end of every second week), it is important to stress that this is only one component of the course. Participants are assessed globally, based on his or her contributions to every lesson from the first day to the last. That means that every discussion, presentation and piece of homework, as well as the participants’ interpersonal skills – such as the ability to work productively with others, listen and respond appropriately – will have an impact on the overall final assessment.

The Courses

CEFR levels At the end of the course, participants will receive a certificate stating his or her level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The CEFR system is an internationally recognised, standardised reference of language ability. It has two advantages: Firstly, it provides an assessment based on what a student can really do with the language, rather than how much he or she knows about its “rules”; Secondly, it helps to avoid subjective terms like “elementary” or “intermediate”, which can be ambiguous and interpreted quite differently between teachers, institutions and publishers. Any students who wish to resume language learning after the course will be able to use their CEFR level in order to help them find the right course to follow. When are language course participants ready to begin an Academy course? Generally, students should have successfully completed a course at B2 level (Upper-Intermediate) before they can be considered ready to take part in Academy courses. Needless to say, desirable candidates for the Academy should show more than mere competence in English. We are looking for those who show enthusiasm and aptitude for learning; who display good interpersonal skills and can work well with others; those who are willing to express themselves and defend their opinions persuasively; and those who are open to new ideas but can appraise them objectively. Those participants who have not yet reached the required level of English, but exhibit all of the other qualities, are always welcome to return for a second or even third English course in order to help in their preparation for life at the Academy. Similarly, even if a student has already started at a Regional Academy or the Fürth Academy, it doesn’t mean that he or she will never visit the Language Centre again. Indeed, many students take further English courses in parallel with the Academy as they need to work on areas of weakness.

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The Courses

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

CEFR level

Class level

C2

Mastery

C1+

Level group

Proficient user Advanced

C1 B2+ Upper-Intermediate B2 Independent user B1+

Intermediate

B1 A2+

Pre-Intermediate

A2 A1+ A1

Elementary Beginner

Basic user

Advice for participants

Advice for participants who are attending a language course

Before coming to the Language Centre So you’re coming to the Language Centre? Great! But what can you do to prepare? First of all, there is no point trying to quickly learn grammar rules in the days before your arrival. You can prepare for a course at the Language Centre by watching English TV programmes and improving your listening comprehension. If you like reading, you could also look for short texts or novels. The best results are obtained if you combine both activities. If possible, you should start working on your reading and listening skills at least six weeks in advance. While you are there Now that you’ve arrived, how can you maximise your chances of reaching your learning goals? A good set of study skills will help you to complete the course more successfully. They not only accelerate the learning process, but they also help you to reach your full potential. Since no two students study in the same way, you should try to combine some of the following techniques which best suit your style of learning: • Time management is one of the most important skills you will need. Think about preparing a study timetable. If your teacher gives you a deadline of two or more days, you should divide your task over this time period because you will need the entire period to complete the task properly. A common mistake made by participants is to leave everything to the last minute. This is especially tempting if you have been given a week to complete an assignment. • Organise your notes with the help of key words; this will make it easier for future reference and revising for tests. You may also want to try using a colour code system, organising material according to importance. If you do this, decide on a colour scheme before you get started. Give yourself time to practise before you attend a course at the Language Centre. You can experiment with various note-taking techniques and colour coding by taking notes when you are watching news on TV or a documentary and then organising your notes. • Avoid wasting time, especially while researching on the Internet for your essays and presentations. Try to plan an outline of your arguments or points before you start your research. This will help you focus on specific points. Try to understand the subject matter and write down the information in your own words. This will help to prevent plagiarism. Please bear in mind that plagiarism is a very serious academic offence.

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Advice for participants

• Learn useful words first, meaning the ones you know you might use, and do not spend too much time trying to remember ones which you only need to understand. You will be provided with vocabulary notebooks to record new words. Try to note down words in context, i.e. within a short sentence, rather than making simple lists. • Do not wait until the last minute to do your test revision. Prioritise your revision topics. Schedule more time for the ones that are important and where your understanding is weak. • Quality is better than quantity, especially in essays and writing tests. Remember: a few words in good English and clear structure will always score higher than many unstructured words in poor English. • Use feedback from your teachers to help you monitor your progress. With oral feedback, take notes and save them in your folder. Refer to these feedback forms before you attempt your next writing assignment or presentation so you don’t repeat the same mistakes. • Use your free time productively in the evenings and weekends to revise what you have learnt in class. Depending on whether you like to read or watch movies, you can make use of the varied collection of DVDs and books in our library. We recommend alternating between books and movies because it will help you train your ability to listen and read in English. Organising small study groups also helps because it enables you to profit from interaction with other students. It is very important that you speak in English all the time, even with colleagues from your own country, in order to maximise your exposure to the language. After you leave Don’t stop there! Attending one or two language courses isn’t enough to be fluent in a language. Mastering a language is a long-term commitment. If you are really serious about improving, aim to spend 30 minutes either reading or watching something in English at least four times a week – every week! Attending short refresher courses two or three times a year is also important to ensure that you are constantly exposed to the language, especially if your level is low.

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ProCredit Academy

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phone +49-(0)69 - 95 14 37-0

64658 Fürth-Weschnitz, Germany

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phone +49-(0)6253 - 20 08-0

email [email protected]

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© ProCredit Academy 2013

ProCredit LanguageCentre