7 Basic Military English For Multinational Operations (Basic MEMO) A Computer Based Learning Program BILC Professional Seminar Copenhagen 05 October

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7 Outline  The setting  The challenge  The answer

7 The setting English language training is part of career training for  Officer candidates – SLP 3332  Army NCOs („Feldwebel“) – SLP 2121  civil defense administration personnel – SLP 3332/2221

7 Computer based learning programs

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7 The setting There is no English language training for  senior (by age and rank) NCOs  extended service volunteers  reservists  senior (by age and rank) civil defense administration personnel

7 The challenge Provide those without professional English language training with a self- study tool to improve their language skills

7 The answer

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7 Target Group  Soldiers of all ranks  Noncommissioned officers, extended service volunteers, reservists  Personnel from all armed services and organizational areas of the Bundeswehr

7 Language Background  Heterogeneous target group  Minimal knowledge of the language  Some with beginner level skills  Education: 9 –10 years of school  Standardized Language Profile: 1010 to 1111

7 Objectives  To enable learners to apply elementary language skills appropriately in typical mission-oriented situations  To provide mission-oriented vocabulary and phrases  To encourage communicative language competence in a military environment

7 Available via  CD/DVD  USB-memory stick  PDA (Personal Digital Assistant),  Cell phone (for selected elements such as glossaries or phrases)  Bundeswehr learning management systems e.g., server-based instruction via the “Ausbildungsportal Bw“

7 Research conducted at the  Explosive Ordnance Disposal Center  Federal College of Public Administration, Defense Administration Department  Infantry School

7 … and at the  Psychological Operations Center  Bundeswehr Joint Medical Services Center  Joint Force Command (JFC), Brunssum/NL  Federal Office of Languages

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7 Basic Modules Based on typical everyday situations  fundamental language structures  basic vocabulary and a  guided grammatical progression were developed for mission-oriented activities.

7 Advanced Modules For learners who have completed the Basic Modules, Advanced (“Specialized”) Modules provide:  specific, authentic tasks and orders introducing specialized vocabulary for non-specialists.

7 Service Modules provide Information about  the country of deployment, e.g. Afghanistan  cultural awareness  rules of engagement (ROE)

7 Service Modules provide Additional language information  phrases  military courtesy  rank insignia (US, UK, GE)  glossaries  vocab trainer  basic grammar

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7 Basic MEMO includes  450 photos  12 video clips (each approx. 30 seconds)  3700 audio recordings by 19 speakers  357 exercises and skill checks

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7 Path to successful learning Access via Pre-Testing Before working with Basic MEMO, learners:  take a diagnostic test (24 skill-check exercises covering all Basic Modules)  receive a recommendation for guided or selective access

7 Path to successful learning Guided Access  starting with Basic Modules 1 – 7,  proceeding to Advanced Specialized Modules 1 - 7

7 Path to successful learning Selective Access Learner decides where to start (modules, exercises).

7 Further Steps 2009 Begin field testingOct 2009 Complete master-versionNov 2009 PDA/cell phone/ USB memory stick

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