Topics:

1. Reading Safety Signs
2. Workplace Safety Tools and Equipment
3. Communicating Workplace Safety
4. Workplace Safety Policies/Procedures
5. Reporting Unsafe Conditions

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 health 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 more 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. Speaking and listening exercises with a focus on health specific vocabulary to include occupational names, language for comparing and contrasting of situations in the health industry, requesting information, apologizing, reporting problems, clarifying and repeating information.
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 and simple reports.
4. Grammar skills include comprehension and usage of the present, past, and future forms of verbs; present forms of modals, prepositions of place, possessive nouns, and comparative adjectives in reading, writing and listening/speaking activities.

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

1. Identify safety measures that can help prevent accidents and injuries.
2. Identify basic safety warnings that may be given to employees and customers.
3. Interpret product label directions and safety warnings.
4. Describe safe and unsafe work places and working conditions based on class discussion and presentation.
5. Identify and pronounce names of basic tools and equipment used in the workplace.
6. Identify safe work place tools, instructions, policies and procedures.
7. Recognize no smoking, fire alarm, poison, don't litter, high voltage, and exit signs.
8. Write accident, work-related injuries, and unsafe working conditions reports.
9. Provide and respond to a variety of verbal warnings of unsafe workplace conditions to employees and customers.
10. Describe how to maintain a clean and safe work environment.

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.