Since July 2005, all student teachers have been attending a course on communication skills as part of the Enhanced Teacher Preparation Programmes offered at NTU's National Institute of Education (NIE).

Conducted under the purview of the English Language & Literature and Visual & Performing Arts Academic Groups, the 12-week course helps student teachers become more effective communicators, both orally and in writing.

The main areas of study are:

• Voice and pronunciation, which aims to improve vocal health care and quality, and impart the practice of good voice production.
• Oral and written communication, which helps student teachers become aware of the importance of considering the audience and communicative goals when communicating. There is practical hands-on practice, for example, chairing meetings, making announcements, and writing notes of meetings and official letters.
• Teacher-student interaction and classroom management, which involves learning about the various roles teachers play in the classroom and how to communicate effectively to promote student learning.
• Use of English in teaching, which provides an understanding of how language use can help create a conducive environment for students with different abilities.

Built into the tutorials are opportunities for student teachers to reflect on their own habits, as well as ongoing assignments and oral and written presentations to put into practice what is learnt during the course.

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