Project
Global Turning Points (Online)
- 'A Discussion of Events to Remember'
Wed. 1st. Period Simon M. Bedelo
Keywords:
Academic English, Discussion, Extensive Reading, Listening, Literature, Presentation, Project, Speaking, Web Activities

'Turning Points' is an online English course. Sessions take place synchronously using Zoom. 

The course aims to help students improve communication competency.  Its language components are reading, listening and speaking. Students work on these skill targets by researching and discussing issues that have had a remarkable impact on people's lives everywhere. 


Class activities are designed in a way that enables students to think critically while broadening their perspective of global issues. At the end of the term, students will be equipped with the type of communication competency that is necessary for expressing one's thoughts with due logic and confidence. 


Speech practices and presentation: 60%
Feedback and participation: 20%
Summary and script: 20%


1

The Art of Speechmaking

Students learn how to prepare a standard speech that includes opening, development and closing. (Assignment: to prepare a speech script for introducing oneself).

2

Speech Practice Session-1

Using the skills learned in Week-1, students introduce themselves in small groups. Speeches are followed by questions and comments from group members. (Assignment: to write a feedback about introductory speeches).  

3

The Art of Summary Report 

Students learn and practice how to summarize an English text and make a speech report about. (Assignment: to prepare a summary report script using the skills of weeks 1 and 3).

4

Speech Practice Session-2

Using the skills learned in weeks 1 and 3, students work in groups to report in a form of a standard speech the research they conducted. Reports are followed by questions and comments from group members. (Assignment: to write a feedback about report speeches).  

 

5

The Art of Arguing an Opinion

Students learn the various elements for arguing and presenting an opinion.  (Assignment: to prepare an opinion speech script on a global turning point event of a choice). 

6

Opinion Speech Practice Open Session-1 (Group 1)

Using the skills learned in Week-5, students practice making opinion speeches on a global turning point event of their choice. Speeches are followed by Q&A sessions and feedback from the audience.  

7

Opinion Speech Practice Open Session-2 (Group-2)

Using the skills learned in Week-5, students practice making opinion speeches on a global turning point event of their choice. Speeches are followed by Q&A sessions and feedback from the audience.  

8

On-demand Preparatory Session 

Students work individually to research and to prepare for introducing a specific global turning point event. Students also learn the basic facets of power-point presentation. A list of selectable themes includes events such as: 1) the invention of smartphones; 2) the introduction of music videos; 3) the legalization of same-sex marriages; 4)  the polarization of US politics; 5) the 2020 pandemic, etc. 

9

Global Turning Points Session-1

Selected students make speeches using the language skill targets learned in weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7. Speeches are followed by comments first in groups and later on in the main room. (Assignment: to submit written feedback of the presentations).

10

Global Turning Points Session-2

Selected students make speeches using the language skill targets learned in weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7. Speeches are followed by comments first in groups and later on in the main room. (Assignment: to submit written feedback of the presentations). 

11

Global Turning Points Session-3

Selected students make speeches using the language skill targets learned in weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7. Speeches are followed by comments first in groups and later on in the main room. (Assignment: to submit written feedback of the presentations).

12

Global Turning Points Session-4

Selected students make speeches using the language skill targets learned in weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7. Speeches are followed by comments first in groups and later on in the main room. (Assignment: to submit written feedback of the presentations).

13

Final Overall Review, Open Discussion and Feedback

Students work in groups to review the various skills they have learned during the term for further improving their skills. Later in the main room, they report on the discussions that took place in those groups. 

14

End-of-term Review Assignment 

Students work individually to prepare and upload their end-of-term review essay using the sample template provided for by the instructor.

 

15

On-demand Online Office Hour 

Students attend online consultation on-demand with the course's instructor. The consultation is either individual on the basis of first come first serve or in small group.


The class benefits those students wishing to improve their speaking skills. Students are given the opportunity to focus on their academic interest while working on their language needs.

(S) is given to those students who: 1) have handed in their assignments on time; 2) achieved 95 percent of overall points and 3) have been active in small group activities and open discussions.