Taking the Stress Out Of Writing Long Essays Rachel Clark Madeleine du Vivier IATEFL 2012 Glasgow UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

The Context University College London Semi intensive course 23 candidates Delta Module 3: words Supervised by 3 tutors UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

The Background Pre 2009: pre-modular delta case study 2009: old system transferred from pre- modular delta 2010: tutorials and extra support 2011: new system. 100% success rate UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Delta Module 3 UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE Part One: Introduction/ topic area (25%) (c 1100 words) Discussion of a specialist area e.g. EAP, YLs Part Two: Needs analysis and commentary (20%) (c 800 words) Theory of Needs Analysis & Diagnostic Test in relation to a group of learners Part Three: Course proposal (c 20 hours) (25%) (c1100 words) Principles of syllabus and course design Part Four: Assessment (20%) (c1100 words) Principles of assessment Part Five: Conclusion (c400 words) How the course proposal and assessment procedures will meet the identified learning objectives

Cambridge Delta Handbook It is recommended that candidates be advised to address the various stages of the assignment separately and that a study plan be drawn up so that candidates clearly carry out the necessary background work for each stage before moving on to subsequent stages. UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

How We Organise the Process UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Step 1: Awareness Raising Task Part Two of Module 3 – The Needs Analysis A: TASK. How much do you know? Look at the following statements and decide if they are true or false. 1. You need to be teaching the group you choose to write the course proposal for. UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Step 1: Awareness Raising Task B: TASK. Check your answers. Now read the extracts from the Module 3 handbook and tips from the Principal Examiner to check your answers KEY. 1.You need to be teaching the group you choose to write the course proposal for. F. YOU DO NOT NEED TO TEACH THEM, JUST HAVE ACCESS TO THE GROUP UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Step 1: Awareness Raising Task C: TASK. Check your understanding Look at the section headings below from two extended assignments. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each one? KEY. UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Rationale for A.R.T. 1. Make candidates aware of what is required 2. Encourage independence 3. Provide a written record 4. Make Cambridge ESOL guidelines more accessible 5. Save time in input sessions 6. Allow candidates to work at own pace UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Steps 2 and 3: Research, Input and Q&A Sessions UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Steps 4 and 5: Draft. Tutor feedback UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Steps 4 and 5: Tutor feedback Presentation and organisation Academic writing, language and referencing Presentation, coherence and organisation Clarity of argument and quality of ideas Needs analysis and commentary Key principles of needs analysis and diagnostic testing Analysis of diagnostic test and identification of learner needs Discussion and justification of priorities supported by the needs analysis UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE Module Three Part 2 Feedback Name_________ Word count ____

Step 6: Group Check List UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Step 6: Group Check List Feedback on Part Two Have a look at the following and decide if you did these things in your Part Two: 1.Link back to features mentioned in Part One. 2.Discuss principles of NA/DT using quotes and terminology 3.Include empty statements introducing information: e.g. The NA gave me useful information about the students UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Overall Approach UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Positive Outcomes UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Warnings UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Where Now? Continue to use this with our Delta groups on future courses Transfer the model to teaching writing of other long essays e.g. IELTS preparation Academic essay writing UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE

Any questions? Thank you UCL LANGUAGE CENTRE