IF1NUM-English for Mathematicians

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Mr Aaron Woodcock

Email: a.e.w.woodcock@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will equip you with the lexical knowledge and communication skills you need to learn Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at university level. It will also equip you with tools and techniques you can use to develop your linguistic knowledge and competence throughout your university career.

This module is intended for students with an entry level of CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) in general English of B2/C1, but an entry level of CEF B1/B2 when communicating specifically within or about their field of specialisation.  On successful completion of the course, you will have achieved CEF B2/C1 when communicating within or about your field of specialisation. Any students with entry levels that fall outside these parameters will be identified and supported so that they can achieve their best on this module.

Aims:

The aims of this module are to develop your’:

• productive knowledge of mathematical vocabulary


• ability to communicate mathematical ideas in English, both orally and in writing


• ability to use mathematical information from written, visual and oral sources appropriately

In addition, this module hopes to develop your:

• knowledge of tools and techniques for developing linguistic knowledge independently


• ability to understand mathematical texts, both spoken and written


• ability to interact effectively in pairs and small groups


• intercultural awareness, understanding and competence

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completing this module, you should be able to:

• use a broader range of mathematical vocabulary (both orally and in writing) more fluently and accurately


• communicate familiar mathematical ideas in a clear and detailed manner (both orally and in writing)


• communicate more effectively (both orally and in writing) to non-expert audiences for a variety of purposes


• write and speak about familiar mathematical ideas in English in your own words


• use written, visual and oral sources of information more appropriately and effectively in your writing

Additional outcomes:

On completing this module, you should also be able to:

• continue to develop your mathematical linguistic knowledge independently


• understand mathematical texts (spoken and written) more easily and fluently


• communicate more effectively (both orally and in writing) to expert audiences for a variety of purposes


• interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity in familiar mathematical contexts


• understand, function and engage with other cultures, and appreciate and evaluate your own culture

Outline content:

You will be given tasks to develop your productive skills and lexical knowledge within the field of mathematics so that you have a sufficient range of language to be able to give clear descriptions, express viewpoints and develop arguments within your field without much conspicuous searching for words. These tasks will also develop your mediation and sociolinguistic competences so that you can communicate effectively with non-expert audiences.

These tasks include:

• learning the spelling, pronunciation and grammar of core mathematical lexis


• explaining concepts, processes or data related to mathematics without needing the help of a dictionary or other reference
  
  
  
  • (e.g. writing an explanatory paragraph on the applications of geometry or giving an explanatory oral presentation on a worked example and applications of trigonometry)
  
  
  
  


• presenting and responding to lines of argument
  
  
  
  • (e.g. writing an argumentative paragraph on the importance of algebra or taking part in a debate on the importance of topics to include in a short maths course)
  
  
  
  


• evaluating different ideas or solutions to a problem


• summarising the main content of complex, technical texts on subjects related to mathematics for an audience with no specialist knowledge
  
  
  
  • (e.g. writing an explanatory poster for a University Open Day)
  
  
  
  


• identifying and reflecting on similarities and differences between cultural, educational or linguistic contexts and discussing their significance
  
  
  
  • (e.g. writing reflectively on the transition between secondary school and university maths)
  
  
  
  

Global context:

This module develops your ability to communicate in English in a variety of contexts specific to Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and the UK context, helping you adapt to different work and study contexts and developing your intercultural competence.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching and learning is facilitated through a combination of Task-Based Learning (TBL), independent language study, guided analysis of texts and feedback on assessment tasks.

A Task-Based Learning approach is used to develop communication skills (including ability to communicate in your own words) and productive vocabulary knowledge.  In class, you participate in task cycles in which you: (1) study target vocabulary within a spoken or written text; (2) use the target vocabulary in a writing or speaking task; (3) reflect on/review your performance; (4) repeat the writing task/speaking task.

This task cycle is complemented by guided independent language learning outside class to improve range and accuracy of mathematical vocabulary and language, and by guided analysis of model texts in class to develop knowledge of register, genre, structure and cohesion.

The feedback cycle on formative and summative oral and written assessment tasks is used to bring these strands together and to develop the ability to use information from outside sources appropriately.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Practicals classes and workshops	56	56
Guided independent study:
Preparation for presentations	11	11
Revision and preparation	22	22
Essay preparation	11	11
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	25
Oral assessment and presentation	25
Class test administered by School	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Semester 1	Written Assignment 1	12.5%
	Oral Assessment 1	12.5%
	Vocabulary and Writing Test 1	25%
Semester 2	Written Assignment 2	12.5%
	Oral Assessment 2	12.5%
	Vocabulary and Writing Test 2	25%

 

All summative assessments will be submitted and/or take place during Weeks 15 to 20 of each semester.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment will include:

• A practice vocabulary and writing test in the middle of each semester


• A first draft of each written assignment to be submitted for formative feedback from your peers and/or your tutor in the middle of each semester


• An opportunity for formative feedback on your oral assessment task from your peers and/or your tutor towards the end of each semester

In addition:

The TBL nature of classroom activities will provide multiple opportunities for formative feedback, and there will be both draft feedback on written assignments and rehearsal feedback on oral assessments. In order to consolidate and develop your language learning, you are encouraged to complete regular tasks in class and outside.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit on the basis of examination only (relative percentages: oral examination 25%, written paper 75%)

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2019