Topics:

1. Communicating with Guests, Visitors, and Vendors
2. Using the Telephone
3. Interpreting Basic Instructions at Work
4. Communicating with Supervisors and Co-workers
5. Using Polite Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

Description:
This multi-level Vocational English-as-a-Second Language (VESL) course is designed for the beginning to intermediate language level student whose first language is other than English. Coursework focuses on developing the communication skills student will need to function more effectively in a health-related workplace. Student will improve fluency, accuracy, and SCANS competencies in order to communicate more effectively in the workplace. Listening, speaking, reading, writing skills for the workplace are integrated within controlled grammar and sentence structures. The course includes English vocabulary development related to equipment, supplies, common tasks, and safety procedures in the healthcare industry.

Course Content and Scope:
The basic language skills of speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork are taught within the context of life and employability skills. Basic skills will be developed and applied to tasks that are required of adults in order to benefit from on-the-job training and function effectively in the workplace. Student will be instructed through a variety of techniques (cooperative learning language experience, information-gap, substitution drills) and grouping strategies.

1. Basic healthcare communication skills which include specific vocabulary pertaining to the workplace and its correct use in listening/speaking and writing activities.
2. Reading skills include comprehension of basic workplace texts with familiar content and language and using the texts to write simple reports/telephone messages.
3. Writing skills include filling out workplace forms, writing brief notes or telephone messages, and completing simple reports.
4. Grammar skills include comprehension and usage of the present, past, and future forms of verbs; present forms of modals, prepositions of location and time, possessive nouns, and comparison adjectives in reading, writing and listening/speaking activities.

Course Objectives: (Expected Student Learning Outcomes)
The student will be able to:

1. Use common greetings and responses to communicate with employees and customers.
2. Communicate work progress and negotiate work deadlines.
3. Define vocabulary related to tasks.
4. Respond to supervisors' orders, requests, and/or instructions by repeating or paraphrasing.
5. Identify and pronounce names of basic tools and equipment and understand their correct use as described in class.
6. Describe when use of native language is appropriate on the job.
7. Recognize basic workplace signs and maps.
8. Use vocabulary related to time and provide appropriate responses to questions related to time.
9. Ask questions to get additional information required to complete work related tasks.
10. Make verbal requests for information and help with work related tasks.
11. Solicit and respond to feedback related to work performance.
12. Develop one-step and multi-step oral instructions for work related tasks.
13. Recognize and use non-verbal body language in the workplace.
14. Use informal communication to communicate in the workplace.
15. Recognize and record units of measurement according to work related specifications.
16. Use the telephone to communicate with supervisors, other employees, and customers.
17. Respond to criticism and conflict verbally and in writing.
18. Distinguish between polite and impolite modes of communication as discussed in class.

Method of Instruction:
Audio/visual media, lectures, demonstrations, cooperative learning activities, and reading and writing process will be included. Method of instruction will take into consideration student's diverse learning styles and abilities providing assignments that include text-based learning, hands-on projects, team assignments, and role plays.