A F.5 student wrote to the SCMP saying that the module, Learning English through Workplace Communication, is a waste of time and it is too early for students to take it. Your classmates and you would like to write a response letter, sharing what you all have done in the module and how it helps in different aspects of learning.
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to a letter claiming that it is a waste of time to have the module, Learning English through Workplace Communication and it is too early for students to take it. Being a F.5 student, I am afraid I disagree with that and I would like to share what the module has taught me as well as how it helps in different aspects of learning.
To begin with, the module has familiarized us with the roles and responsibilities of different types of jobs, enhancing our practical workplace-related knowledge. As there are numerous jobs, it is crucial for us to understand the jobs in details such as the requirements, qualifications, responsibilities, salaries and so on. Through the module, authentic job advertisements from different careers had been illustrated in class. More importantly, we also finished writing an article for our dream career, which can definitely make us know more about our dream careers by collecting information and equipping ourselves with basic workplace-related knowledge. Therefore, “Learning English through Workplace Communication” is a course which can enhance our knowledge in the workplace and make us ready for the dream career, rather than a waste of time.
Besides, this module can help develop our language skills by learning the vocabulary, language, formats, text type and so on used in written and spoken communication in the workplace. It is never too early for us to learn that even though we are just students. Through this module, we have familiarized ourselves with how to produce written and spoken texts that are appropriate to the purpose, context, language and convention in the workplace, helping us develop the specialized language and vocabulary relevant to workplace. We should never look down on the importance of language skills. Without this, we cannot make sense or even understand the communication in the workplace. Obviously, this module does play a vital role to sharpen our language skills and get ourselves prepared in our future career.
Last but not least, in this module, we have had various activities, for example, making effective sales presentations using different language skills and expressions, boosting our confidence in public speaking. We had to be engaging, purposeful and confident in sales presentations. We also had a chance to give sales presentations in the class and it actually provided us a meaningful experience as we learnt how to attract audience’s attention and how to keep the content of the presentation lively and interesting. Also, when delivering a sales presentation, we were reminded to maintain regular eye contact with the audience and speak loudly enough as well. Not only did these experiences enhance our confidence when we had to give a speech, but it also developed our communication skills.
To conclude, this module has provided some special and practical experiences before we join the workplace someday. The most important thing is that we can gain knowledge in different aspects of learning. This explains the significance and usefulness of the module for senior form students.
Yours faithfully,
Kathy Lam
Lam Nga Yan
2017-2018 5C
Lam Nga Yan