English Language Improvement Program:
Oral Communication

Overview

The Ohio Academic English Language Improvement Program provides two graduate academic oral communication skills courses, which focus on improving the skills necessary to be successful graduate students. Both classes are available each quarter. 

In addition, there is a series of courses specifically catering to the needs of International Teaching Assistants (ITAs).

The focus of courses may be different for each student. Some students need to improve their presentation skills for their doctorate or masters degree oral examinations, while other graduate students need to improve their oral skills for general communication. 

ITA Courses

The English Language Improvement Program provides two ITA courses:

The Pronunciation Course (OPIE 580)
Sample syllabus here.

This course is primarily for International Teaching Assistants (ITAs). Students work on pronunciation for overall intelligibility and for comprehension in the classroom.

The Classroom Communications Skills Course (OPIE 581)
Sample syllabus here.

This course is primarily for International Teaching Assistants (ITAs). Students work on fluency, pronunciation, and answering questions. Also covers common expectations of American undergraduate students.

Communication Courses

The English Language Improvement Program provides two additional communication courses.

Oral Communication in Graduate Studies I (OPIE 582)
Sample syllabus here.

This course is for international graduate students. It focuses on giving presentations, asking and answering questions, discussing, and interacting with professors and peers. Pronunciation and speaking skills are also covered.

Oral Communication in Graduate Studies II (OPIE 583) 
Sample syllabus here.

This course is for international graduate students. It builds on OPIE 582 and includes more advanced work on fluency, pronunciation, giving presentations, discussing topics, and advanced speaking skills.

Resources

OhioEnglish.com

Oral communication courses brochure (pdf)

Pronunciation Resources

News resources