SPEAK, ACT AND INTERACT

Skills Development

Upon successful completion of the seminar, participants will be able to: - Use German effectively to achieve communication in specific academic situations. - To apply various strategies to achieve communication - Develop oral production skills in both free and guided contexts. - To prepare and present academic presentations in German with clarity and structure. - To interact in spoken language effectively in academic contexts and in everyday situations. - To handle communication situations in the target language with fluency and confidence. - To reflect on their own and others' oral communicative competence using the Common European Framework's scientific criteria.

General description: -Production of spoken language in monologue and dialogue -Interactive use of language: practice through games and activities -Use of language and technology resources to support spoken speech -Enhancement of fluency and authenticity in spoken language -Techniques for preparing and delivering a presentation -Discussions on current topics, participation in academic debates -Developing and sustaining arguments, managing debates and disputes -Evaluation and feedback on spoken language Course Schedule: Week 1: Introduction to the course, prerequisites for successful completion. Needs Assessment Questionnaire. Introduction to oral communication in the foreign language, icebreaker games in plenary and small groups. Homework: Self-portrait (to be posted on the e-learning platform). Week 2: Basic strategies for oral speech and interaction. The descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Informal group discussion ("your opinion matters"). Giving advice in specific situations. Use of supportive phrases and practice in classroom dialogues. Homework: "I listen, I see, and I present" (to be posted on the e-learning platform). Week 3: Formal discussion on topics of academic interest—developing argumentation. The flow of formal conversation and the use of supporting phrases. Hands-on practice: Simulating an academic discussion in class. Homework: Role-playing. Week 4: Strategies for achieving communication in spoken language. New technologies and supporting tools. Introduction to the Linguistic Risk Taking Passport. Pronunciation practice tools. Audiovisual media, podcasts. The use of Artificial Intelligence tools in practicing German as a foreign language: Risks and limitations. Homework: Reflection on a discussion with a chatbot in foreign language (to be posted on the e-learning platform). Week 5: Monologue and presentation skills on a scientific topic – Part 1. The structure of a presentation (Campus Deutsch, pp. 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20). Written language in a PowerPoint presentation: practice taking notes and summarizing based on a scientific text. Hands-on exercise in creating slides and delivering a monologue in front of an audience (Elevator Pitch). Homework: Prepare a PowerPoint or Canva presentation (1st graded assignment - to be posted on the e-learning platform). Week 6: Monologue and presentation skills on a scientific topic - Part 2. The visual elements of a presentation - visualization with Infografik (Campus Deutsch pp. 24, 35, 36). Use of supporting phrases (Campus Deutsch pp. 48, 49, 50, 54, 56, 80). Structured exercises in class. Homework: Oral presentation (2nd graded assignment – to be posted on the e-learning platform). Week 7: Assessing oral speech—Feedback and assessment criteria. Qualitative characteristics (Güterkriterien) of oral speech assessment. Criteria and assessment scales for an oral exam: practical examples. Classroom activity: assessment and feedback based on audiovisual material at levels B1, B2, and C1. Criteria for assessing a scientific presentation—practical application. Homework: Assessment and feedback on two oral presentations based on scientific criteria (to be posted on the e-learning platform). Week 8: Mid-term exam (graded oral assignment in class). Week 9: The forms of spoken language – the case of formal and non-formal German, the colloquial language. Practical examples (AADG). Special pronunciation problems for speakers of German as a foreign language with Greek as their first language: examples and exercises. Gender-inclusive language (gendergerechte oder -neutrale Sprache). The interview: practical application in the classroom. Homework: Mein Podcast-Interview. Week 10: Communicating orally in everyday situations – scenarios and dialogues related to student life. Practical exercises in class: Dilemma cards, mini role-plays "Campus Life," small group discussions "Organizing a project," Mini-Lecture "Explain that to me in 5 minutes," PechaKucha, and Storytelling. Homework: Asynchronous discussion forum "Thesis of the week" or Storytelling (my first day at university). Week 11: Science Slam! Semi-free speech based on creative or humorous presentation of scientific topics. Introduction-preparation-practical exercise in groups (Impro-Slam), presentation, and feedback. Homework: Science Slam competition (3rd graded assignment – to be posted on the e-learning platform). Week 12: The formal debate. Rules (Campus Deutsch, pp. 59-60), supportive language phrases (Campus Deutsch, pp. 61-62, 82), argumentation (Campus Deutsch, pp. 65-66, 69, 72). Dealing with controversial debate topics, examples. Practical application: Speed-Debate (Pro & Contra in 3 Minuten) and Talk-Show. For home: Die Laudatio (to be posted on the e-learning platform). Week 13: Preparation for final oral exam. Review of the course and reflection.

Presentations, Discussions, Speaking in monologue and dialogue, Debating, Arguing

06-10-2025