Learning outcomes

• To consolidate grammar structures at a B2/1 level (CEFR) using an applied and contextual approach.
• Introduction to human anatomy: surface and internal
• Knowledge of the basic terminology used in physiotherapy treatments.
• Skills required for patient interaction.

Program

The program relies heavily on teacher-student and peer-to-peer interaction to stimulate the use of ESP (English for Special Purposes) related to physiotherapy. The teaching material for the frontal lectures is based on current studies and best practices in physiotherapy, often downloaded from the internet: these then become the benchmarks for students to further develop their language skills.

Lessons include the analysis and comprehension of texts in order to recognise the grammatical and lexical value, and function of the linguistic components under investigation within a specific topic. Occasional translation from Italian to English and the reading of short academic papers are included to consolidate the latter processes. Topics include: human anatomy, equipment, age-related pathologies.

Students take part in teamwork and present an assigned case study or best practice in PowerPoint. The group presentation focuses on a detailed discussion of a specified anatomical structure; a possible treatment plan to deal with associated ailments; and a patient-physiotherapist role play of the treatment.

Examination Methods

The exam is made up of two parts, oral and written.
The oral requires the presentation of the assigned case study. Although carried out in a group, comprising either three or four students, the mark depends on the individual's performance.
The written exam comprises a dictation/note-taking exercise, and various gap-fill type exercises with grammatical or lexical value related to specifically selected physiotherapy topics.
The final result (pass/fail) is the average obtained from the abovementioned test components.