Information for students
Why should you use DigiTALENT - Academic Reading?
What is DigiTALENT aiming for?
Features and level of the course
Number of credits and certificate
Method
Demo?
To get access
Why should you use DigiTALENT - Academic Reading?
As a student in higher education the books and articles you have to study are almost exclusively in English. Having to read large quantities of complex literature in a foreign language within a time limit of six to eight weeks places a substantial burden on you. Sound academic reading skills are therefore crucial for you, especially when you are aiming to transfer to a university Master's programme.
What is DigiTALENT aiming for?
DigiTALENT - Academic Reading - aims to contribute to your smooth and successful progression by teaching you to read professional literature in English more effectively and more efficiently. By 'effectively' we mean that, with the help of the digital modules, you will be able to acquire and hone strategic skills that will serve you well throughout your entire academic career. 'Efficiently' in this context means that you can develop your reading skills at a time and place that best suits you.
Features and level of the course
The package is aimed at the specific reading skill English for Academic Purposes within a given field of study: English for Specific Purposes; in this case economics and the social sciences. It provides a significant degree of customised learning by using authentic texts and forging a direct link with the activity required of the students: the active and critical processing of academic literature. DigiTALENT is compatible with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), at levels B2 and C1 to be exact. The CEFR is a European standard which facilitates international comparison between language courses and language tests.
The definition of Level C1: 'I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. I can understand specialised articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to my field.'
(http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/CADRE_EN.asp - CEFR, p. 27)
Number of credits and certificate
The number of credits for the whole course: 3 ECTS.
If you pass your final assessment you will receive a certificate from Taalcentrum-VU.
Method
DigiTALENT offers you an on line combination of testing and training. Both can take place entirely independently of a teacher. Feedback is given throughout the programme. In some cases, depending on your educational institute, there is a teacher who monitors your activities.
After having bought a DigiTALENT account, you can complete an intake assessment to determine your reading level. If your reading skills have to be improved, you are referred to one or more of the nine course modules. Each module contains a number of assignments for practice. Some interim tests serve as a double check before you can go on to take the final assessment.
Demo?
In the demo you will find course material and exercises. There is also a demo assessment. Try the demo to have an indication of your reading level.
To get access
You can buy an account for €34,50. There are several possibilities to take the final assessment.
For further information please contact: Taalcentrum-VU info@taalcentrum-vu.nl